Sam Ryder leads Jesus Christ Superstar's Cancer Research UK gala at Drury Lane

Sam Ryder led a special gala performance of Jesus Christ Superstar in support of Cancer Research UK at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Tuesday 27 October 2026. Hosted by Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, the evening brought Cancer Research UK supporters into the theatre alongside a run of famous faces, including Graham Norton, Amy Dowden, Rebecca Lucy Taylor (better known as Self Esteem), Brian Conley and Denise Van Outen. See dates and tickets for Jesus Christ Superstar at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

In this article: Jesus Christ Superstar, Sam Ryder, Cancer Research UK gala, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Graham Norton, Amy Dowden, Self Esteem, Herod guest stars, UK tour 2027.

Who was at the gala?

The evening was held in support of Cancer Research UK, and the charity's supporters were among the guests in the house. Graham Norton, Amy Dowden, Rebecca Lucy Taylor, Brian Conley and Denise Van Outen were among the well known names who attended, and Michael Harrison and Simon Ledsham were photographed with Sam Ryder in front of the gala backdrop, which carried the show's artwork alongside the Cancer Research UK logo.

What is the production like?

Jesus Christ Superstar tells the story of the last days of Jesus's life through the eyes of Judas, with a score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice that includes "I Don't Know How to Love Him", "Gethsemane" and "Superstar".

The piece began life as an album before opening on Broadway in 1971, where it was nominated for five Tony Awards. The original London production ran for over eight years, and by the time it closed after 3,358 performances it was the longest running musical in West End history.

This new staging is directed by Tim Sheader, with choreography by Olivier Award winner Drew McOnie and design by Tony and Olivier Award winner Tom Scutt. It arrived at Drury Lane following a sell out summer season at the London Palladium, with Sam Ryder starring as Jesus.

Who is playing Herod?

The role of Herod is being shared by a series of guest performers across the Drury Lane run:

• Matt Bomer, until 31 October
• Rob Brydon, 2 to 7 November
• Reece Shearsmith, 9 to 14 November
• Bob the Drag Queen, 16 to 21 November
• Michael Ball, 23 November to 5 December
• Simon Russell Beale, 7 to 12 December
• Omid Djalili, 14 to 19 December
• Layton Williams, 21 December 2026 to 2 January 2027
• Glenn Close, 4 to 9 January 2027

Each guest brings a different flavour to Herod's showstopping number, which gives regular theatregoers a reason to return before the final night in January.

How long is it running, and where does it go next?

Jesus Christ Superstar plays the Theatre Royal Drury Lane until Saturday 9 January 2027, and then heads out on a UK tour from February 2027. The show runs for 2 hours including an interval and is recommended for ages 10 and over. See dates and tickets for Jesus Christ Superstar at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

What else should readers catch up on?

• Glenn Close joins Jesus Christ Superstar as the final Herod at Drury Lane
• The full Herod line up for the Drury Lane run
• What the critics said about the London Palladium season

Photos: Justine Matthew