Eurovision star Sam Ryder is set to take on a new challenge, stepping into the iconic lead role of Jesus in a major UK tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar. The announcement has generated considerable excitement among fans of both Eurovision and musical theatre alike.
From Eurovision stage to rock opera lead
Sam Ryder, who famously represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022, securing an impressive second place with his hit song ‘Space Man‘, is embarking on a new theatrical journey. He will star as Jesus in a new touring production of the acclaimed musical, Jesus Christ Superstar.
The production, which has seen successful runs in London’s West End, is set to tour across the UK and Ireland in 2027. Ryder’s powerful vocals and stage presence are expected to bring a fresh interpretation to the legendary role.
Jesus Christ Superstar 2027 UK Tour Dates
The tour will kick off in Manchester at the Palace Theatre, with performances scheduled from Thursday 11 to Saturday 27 February 2027. Following its Manchester debut, the musical will visit numerous cities across the UK and Ireland. Confirmed dates and venues include:
- Manchester, Palace Theatre: Thursday 11 – Saturday 27 February 2027
- Cardiff, Wales Millennium Centre: Tuesday 2 – Saturday 13 March 2027
- Newcastle, Theatre Royal: Tuesday 16 – Saturday 27 March 2027
- Edinburgh, Edinburgh Playhouse: Tuesday 30 March – Saturday 3 April 2027
- Oxford, New Theatre Oxford: Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 April 2027
- Norwich, Norwich Theatre Royal: Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 April 2027
- Southend, Cliffs Pavilion: Tuesday 27 April – Saturday 1 May 2027
- Blackpool, Winter Gardens: Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 May 2027
- Birmingham, Hippodrome: Tuesday 18 May – Saturday 5 June 2027
- Belfast, Grand Opera House: 15-16 June 2027
- Bradford, Alhambra Theatre: 29 June- 03 July 2027
- Nottingham, Theatre Royal: 06-17 July 2027
- Woking, New Victoria Theatre: 20-24 July 2027
- Milton Keynes: Theatre: 27-31 July 2027
- Plymouth, Theatre Royal Plymouth: 03-14 August 2027
- Glasgow, King’s Theatre: 17-28 August 2027
- Southampton, Mayflower Theatre 01-11 September 2027
- Sunderland, Empire: 14-18 September 2027
- Liverpool, Empire: 21 September- 02 October 2027
- Aberdeen, His Majesty’s Theatre: 05-09 October 2027
- Hull, New Theatre: 12:16 October 2027
- Bristol, Hippodrome: 19- 23 October 2027
Further dates and venues for the extensive tour are expected to be announced in due course.
