JADAR

An album that inspired a revolution. A revelation that changed the world. A reinvention for this millenium.

Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) directs this mesmerising new production of the iconic global phenomenon Jesus Christ Superstar. Starring Julian Clary as Herod, Olivier nominee Ian McIntosh (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Follies, We Will Rock You) as Jesus, Shem Omari James (Dreamgirls) as Judas and Hannah Richardson (Sting’s The Last Ship) as Mary.

Loosely based on the Gospels’ account of the passion, JCS began its life as an album musical because the composers were initially unable to get backing for a stage production. Its success led to a concert staging and eventually a stage musical adaptation.

In 2016, celebrating 45 years since the musical debuted on Broadway, Jesus Christ Superstar was revived at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, returning the following year. It ran in Chicago, US in 2018, before returning to London at the Barbican, prior to a 50th anniversary US tour, which was cut-short by the pandemic. It returned to RPOAT during the pandemic for a socially-distanced concert staging, with the US tour resuming the day after the concert closed. Now, at long last, the roaring revival is touring the UK!

Choreographed by Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), and with music and lyrics by multi-award winners Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar is set during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’ and ‘Gethsemane’.

Jesus Christ Superstar has its regional premiere at Palace Theatre Manchester from September 11 to 23 and tours the UK until August 17.