Spotlight on Sam Ryder

Posted on 27 Nov 2025 (Updated on 1 Dec 2025)

**Sam Ryder** is bringing his electrifying voice and boundless energy to the West End. Best known for his soaring vocals, contagious cheer, and magnetic stage presence, **Ryder** will make his theatre debut as Jesus in

at the [London Palladium](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/london-palladium-london) from June to September 2026. Fans and theatre insiders alike are eagerly anticipating next summer’s standout show, following the success of this year’s Palladium hit

[,](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/evita-the-musical-tickets) starring [Rachel Zegler.](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/news/how-to-watch-rachel-zegler-balcony-performance-free-london)

Born in Malden, Essex, on 25 June 1989, **Sam Ryder** is a singer, songwriter, composer, and social media personality. The youngest child of a carpenter and dental assistant, he grew up in Chelmsford with a love of music sparked by seeing Sum 41 in concert at age 11. A lifelong Eurovision fan, **Ryder** began performing aged 16 as a singer and guitarist in the band The Morning After before moving through various musical projects.

**Ryder** rose to prominence during the first UK COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, posting music covers on [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@londontheatredirect) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/londontheatredirect/#). His vibrant energy, charisma, and incredible voice quickly won him a devoted following.

### Wasn’t he in Eurovision? Yes! **Ryder** represented the UK in the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest with *Spaceman*, achieving second place overall and winning the jury vote. His 466 points marked the UK’s best result since 1998, with the song peaking at number two in the UK singles chart—becoming the highest-charting UK Eurovision entry since 1996 and helping shift the nation’s perception of the contest. ### What else has he done? In 2023, **Ryder** made history as the first Eurovision act nominated for the Brit Award for Best New Artist. He recently released his second album [*Heartland*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0yLALd3PFA), and is now preparing to take the West End stage, bringing his trademark charm and vocal brilliance to a new audience. ### What is Jesus Christ Superstar about? *Jesus Christ Superstar*, by **Andrew Lloyd Webber** and **Tim Rice**, is a rock opera that tells the story of the final week of Jesus’ life through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Blending electrifying rock music with timeless storytelling, the show explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and faith. With iconic songs like “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Superstar,” it remains a powerful, emotionally charged production that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.