What is Jesus Christ Superstar about?
Jesus Christ Superstar retells the final week in the life of Jesus of Nazareth — from his arrival in Jerusalem to his crucifixion — but tells it from an unexpected point of view: that of Judas Iscariot. Rather than a straightforward passion play, it's a psychological rock opera about fame, doubt, politics and betrayal.
Judas's perspective
Judas opens the show already uneasy. He worries that the movement around Jesus has spiralled beyond control, that the mythology is outrunning the man, and that it will end in disaster. The production's power comes from taking his doubts seriously, making him a tragic figure rather than a simple villain.
The final days
Across a sung-through score, the story moves through the mounting tension in Jerusalem, the Last Supper, Gethsemane, the betrayal, the trial before Pilate, Herod's mocking court, and the crucifixion. There is no spoken dialogue — the entire drama is carried by the music.
A rock opera, not a hymn
The score careers from grinding rock and lung-busting ballads to lilting melodies and rousing chorales. It's this range — and the decision to treat a sacred story with the energy of a rock concert — that made the piece so startling in 1971 and keeps it thrilling today.
The story behind the production
From concept album to phenomenon
Jesus Christ Superstar began life in 1970 as a concept album by a young Andrew Lloyd Webber (music) and Tim Rice (lyrics), before its 1971 Broadway stage debut. It ran for eight years in the West End between 1972 and 1980 and held the record as the longest-running West End musical until it was overtaken by Cats in 1989.
Tim Sheader's award-winning revival
In 2016, director Tim Sheader staged a bold new production at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. It won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and returned to Regent's Park, before playing the Barbican and touring internationally, including a 50th-anniversary US tour. It has become the defining modern staging of the piece.
The London Palladium and Drury Lane
In 2026 the production reached the London Palladium (20 June – 5 September 2026) with Sam Ryder as Jesus, then transferred to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane (16 October 2026 – 9 January 2027), where a rotating line-up of stars including Matt Bomer, Rob Brydon, Michael Ball, Simon Russell Beale and Layton Williams shared the role of King Herod.
The 2027 UK tour
The production then heads out on a major UK tour, opening at the Palace Theatre Manchester on 11 February 2027 and travelling to 22 cities before closing at the Bristol Hippodrome in October 2027, with Sam Ryder continuing as Jesus. ATG Tickets is the official retailer for the tour.
Tour dates and booking
- UK tour: 11 February – 23 October 2027, across 22 cities
- Opens: Palace Theatre Manchester · Closes: Bristol Hippodrome
- Booking: ATG Tickets is the official retailer for the tour
- Prices: from £20.80, varying by venue, performance and seat — check ATG for your city
Running time
Approximately 1 hour 55 minutes, including one interval, based on the tour venues' listed running times. Exact timings can vary slightly by venue.
Age guidance and content
Recommended for ages 10 and above.
Jesus Christ Superstar is a sung-through rock opera with loud music. It contains some violence and an on-stage depiction of the crucifixion. Under-16s must usually be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over, and children under four are not admitted. Guidance can vary by venue, so confirm with the theatre when booking.
Cast
Sam Ryder stars as Jesus on the 2027 UK tour, reprising his role from the West End. The remainder of the touring cast is announced separately and may be confirmed closer to the tour. We'll update this page as full casting is confirmed. Please note that the appearance of any particular performer cannot be guaranteed at a specific performance.
Creative team
- Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber
- Lyrics: Tim Rice
- Director: Timothy Sheader
- Choreographer: Drew McOnie
- Designer: Tom Scutt
Choosing a venue
The tour visits 22 cities across the UK. ATG Tickets is the official retailer for the tour, so you can compare dates, seats and prices for your nearest city — from Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow to Cardiff, Birmingham, Liverpool and Bristol — all in one place.
Accessibility
Accessibility provision — including wheelchair spaces, and audio-described, captioned and signed performances — varies by venue and is arranged through each theatre's box office. Contact your chosen venue in advance to confirm access seating and assisted performances for your date.
