Simon Russell Beale Reschedules Jesus Christ Superstar Dates as Richard Armitage Extends Run as Herod
Published on 22 May 2026
Last updated on 26 May 2026
Summary
- Simon Russell Beale will now play King Herod at Theatre Royal Drury Lane (7–12 December 2026), replacing his previously scheduled July Palladium dates.
- Richard Armitage extends his run as Herod at The London Palladium, performing from 13 July–1 August and returning for an additional show on 8 August.
- Sam Ryder will play Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar across both The London Palladium and Theatre Royal Drury Lane engagements.
Further casting details have been confirmed for Jesus Christ Superstar ahead of its upcoming London runs at the London Palladium and Theatre Royal Drury Lane, with updates to the scheduling of performers playing King Herod across the two venues.
Simon Russell Beale will now appear as King Herod at Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 7 to 12 December 2026, rather than during the previously announced London Palladium dates in July.
The change means Richard Armitage has extended his time in the role at the Palladium. He will now continue performances as Herod from 13 July until 1 August, before returning for an additional performance on 8 August.
Producer **Michael Harrison **confirmed the scheduling update. Further casting details for the Theatre Royal Drury Lane season, including additional performers taking on the role of Herod, are expected to be announced at a later date.
The new production of Jesus Christ Superstar begins performances at the London Palladium on 20 June for an 11-week engagement, with an official opening night on 7 July. Sam Ryder stars as Jesus.
Following its Palladium season, the production will transfer to Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where it is scheduled to run from 16 October 2026 until 9 January 2027.
By Hay Brunsdon
I've over 15 years of writing and editorial experience, and starting working in the West End theatre industry in 2012. When not watching or writing about theatre I'm usually swimming, hiking, running, or training for triathlons in the Stroud valleys.