Glenn Close Joins Jesus Christ Superstar in London for Final Week as King Herod
Glenn Close is set to bring her celebrated stage presence to London’s West End, joining Jesus Christ Superstar as King Herod for the musical’s final week at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The production announced that Close will perform from 4 to 9 January 2027.
Glenn Close joins the West End cast
Close will share the role of King Herod in Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock musical, appearing alongside Sam Ryder as Jesus. Her engagement provides a special finale to the production’s 12-week season at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, which runs from 16 October 2026 to 9 January 2027, according to the venue’s official production listing.
The production announced eight other guest Herods, with Glenn Close completing the nine-person rotation: Matt Bomer, Rob Brydon, Reece Shearsmith, Bob the Drag Queen, Michael Ball, Simon Russell Beale, Omid Djalili and Layton Williams. The official cast information gives each performer’s scheduled dates, with Close taking the final slot.
A rock musical with a major London finale
Directed by Tim Sheader, this award-winning Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production moves to the West End after a sold-out season at The London Palladium, where producers said ticket demand broke the venue’s all-time box-office records. The official producer announcement confirms the Palladium dates and the move to Drury Lane. The official London production site describes the musical as a retelling of Jesus’s final days through Judas’s perspective, with a score that includes “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”, “Gethsemane” and “Superstar”.
Close is particularly well matched to the Andrew Lloyd Webber connection: she won a Tony Award for playing Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. Her appearance as Herod adds another high-profile musical-theatre chapter to a London season built around a changing cast of guest stars.
After the Drury Lane run, the production is scheduled to tour the UK from February 2027, with Sam Ryder continuing as Jesus. The official Andrew Lloyd Webber tour announcement confirms that the tour begins at Manchester Palace Theatre from 12 to 27 February 2027; Close’s engagement remains specifically part of the West End finale.
Frequently asked questions
When will Glenn Close perform in Jesus Christ Superstar?
When will Glenn Close perform in Jesus Christ Superstar?
Glenn Close is scheduled to play King Herod from 4 to 9 January 2027, during the final week of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane season.
Where is Jesus Christ Superstar playing in London?
Where is Jesus Christ Superstar playing in London?
The production is scheduled at Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 16 October 2026 to 9 January 2027, following its sold-out season at The London Palladium.
How many guest Herods are in the London production?
How many guest Herods are in the London production?
The production announced nine guest performers sharing the role of King Herod. Glenn Close completes the rotation, following Matt Bomer, Rob Brydon, Reece Shearsmith, Bob the Drag Queen, Michael Ball, Simon Russell Beale, Omid Djalili and Layton Williams.
Who stars as Jesus in the London production?
Who stars as Jesus in the London production?
Sam Ryder stars as Jesus in the London production and is scheduled to continue in the role for the subsequent UK tour.