Glenn Close to Play Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar in London
Glenn Close will join Jesus Christ Superstar at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, playing King Herod for the final week of the West End run from 4 to 9 January 2027. The Tony Award-winning star joins Sam Ryder and a spectacular succession of guest Herods in the acclaimed Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical.
Three-time Tony Award winner Glenn Close will play King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar from 4 to 9 January 2027, bringing a major Hollywood and Broadway name to the final performances of the acclaimed London production.
The announcement sees Close join the remarkable line-up of guest stars who have taken on the flamboyant role of Herod during the production's West End engagement. Before her, audiences will see Matt Bomer, Rob Brydon, Reece Shearsmith, Bob The Drag Queen, Michael Ball, Simon Russell Beale, Omid Djalili and Layton Williams in the role.
The production, starring Sam Ryder as Jesus, began its journey with a sold-out summer season at the London Palladium before transferring to Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where it continues until 9 January 2027.
For Close, the appearance marks another connection with the work of Andrew Lloyd Webber. She famously played Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, winning a Tony Award for her performance. Her other stage credits include The Real Thing and Death and the Maiden, while her screen career includes iconic performances in Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liaisons, 101 Dalmatians and Damages.
The casting also provides a spectacular finale to the production's innovative approach to King Herod. Rather than having one performer play the part throughout the engagement, the London production has created a succession of high-profile guest appearances, with each actor bringing their own interpretation to one of musical theatre's most eccentric characters.
Producer Michael Harrison welcomed Close to the production, describing her as an “esteemed actor” and expressing his confidence that she will bring the London season to a triumphant close. Director Tim Sheader also welcomed the casting, saying he is looking forward to seeing Close's “artistry and imagination” meet the production.
Directed by Tim Sheader, with choreography by Olivier Award winner Drew McOnie and design by Tony and Olivier Award winner Tom Scutt, the production reunites the creative team behind the celebrated 2016 Regent's Park Open Air Theatre staging.
Alongside Sam Ryder, the principal London cast includes Tyrone Huntley as Judas Iscariot, Desmonda Cathabel as Mary Magdalene and David Thaxton as Pontius Pilate.
Following its London season, Jesus Christ Superstar will embark on a major UK tour from February 2027, with Sam Ryder continuing as Jesus. The tour is scheduled to visit venues across the UK through October 2027.
With Glenn Close taking her place as the final King Herod, Jesus Christ Superstar is certainly ending its London run with one of its biggest star names yet.
