Glenn Close to play Herod in final week of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR in London
Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals has announced that legendary actor Glenn Close will perform the role of Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar for the final week of the record-breaking season at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
The smash-hit production, starring Sam Ryder as Jesus, played a sell-out summer season at The London Palladium and extends its West End run for 12 weeks at Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 16 October - 9 January, ahead of a UK tour from February - October 2027.
Glenn Close is a three-time Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony Award-winning actor, whose memorable screen roles include Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction, Marquise de Merteuil in Dangerous Liaisons, Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians, and Patty Hewes in Damages.
An acclaimed stage performer, she made her Broadway debut in Love for Love and earned Tony Awards for The Real Thing, Death and the Maiden, and Sunset Boulevard, in which she famously played Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical.
She will perform in the role of Herod from 4-9 January 2027.
Producer Michael Harrison said: “I am thrilled that we will welcome such an esteemed actor as Glenn Close in the final week that audiences will have to experience Tim Sheader’s spectacular production in London. After a run of magnificent Herods, I am certain Glenn will bring the season at Theatre Royal Drury Lane to a triumphant close, following our London Palladium run where there wasn't a single empty seat or standing place in the house.”
Director Tim Sheader added: “Wow, what a blast to have Glenn Close Superstar in the house for our final week in London. I can’t wait for her artistry and imagination to meet the show.”
The full cast for Theatre Royal Drury Lane are Sam Ryder as Jesus, Tyrone Huntley* as Judas Iscariot, Desmonda Cathabel as Mary Magdalene, David Thaxton as Pontius Pilate; nine performers sharing the role of King Herod: Matt Bomer (16 – 31 October), Rob Brydon (2 – 7 November), Reece Shearsmith (9 – 14 November), Bob The Drag Queen (16 – 21 November), Michael Ball (23 November – 5 December), Simon Russell Beale (7 – 12 December), Omid Djalili (14 – 19 December), Layton Williams (21 December 2026 – 2 January) and concluding the season, Glenn Close (4 - 9 January). Bob Harms plays Caiaphas, Matty J* plays Annas/Alternate Judas, Phil King plays Peter, Eric Lewis plays Simon, and Matthew Harvey is Standby Jesus.
The company is completed by: Koko Alexandra, Jasmine Jules Andrews, Courtney Arango, Amy Barker, Alistair Beattie, Daniel Bowskill, Jahlil M Burke, Martha Burton, Marcelo Cervone, Sarah Freer, Sebastian Goffin, Alexander Kranz, Owen Lloyd, Milo McCarthy, Dan Moore, Cherece Richards, Kyle Richardson, Olivia Saunders, Toyan Thomas-Browne, Charley Warburton, and Lillie-Pearl Wildman.
Following the conclusion of these London engagements Jesus Christ Superstar starring Sam Ryder, will tour the UK from 11 February 2027. Further casting for the tour is to be announced.
