Jesus Christ Superstar
The promise of theatre and hotel packages to see Jesus Christ Superstar. That’s what is in the news today! I saw this production at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre a few years ago and it was brilliant. BUUUT really interested to see how that production transfers to the plushness (is that a word) of the London Palladium.
There is a big difference between performing the show amongst the ruins of the Palatine hill and performing it behind the protective façade and Corinthian columns of the London Palladium.
I’ve been in the audience of both Regent Park and the Palladium and there is a VERY different feel.
I’ve been on the stage of both Regent Park and the Palladium and there is a VERY different feel.
Let me put it this way, if you were touring a show, would the person organising that tour look at The Palladium and the Open Air Theatre as equally relevant? Could the director, Tim Sheader, just say to the cast: crack on, it is just the same as last night. The wardrobe probably could, but lighting? sound? props? scoring? Could Olivier Award-winning choreographer Drew McOnie? So what’s left of the production? What is left of the concept?
What remains of the production that was originally performed in the open air, with the audience close and wrapped around and the sound of the animals, from London Zoo, wafting across on the summer breeze, when the cast walk onto the stage at the most famous theatre in the world?
Hopefully someone will let us know.
Sam rose to fame via TikTok and Eurovision singing Space Man and since achieving a number one album and a number 2 single with his album Heartland going straight to #1 on the Independent Albums Chart in the UK.
What ever else, the musical remains my favourite ever. From the concept album featuring none other than Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan, the original West End show at the Palace theatre and the iconic film.
Jesus Christ Superstar at The London Palladium will run from Saturday 20 June to Saturday 5 September 2026
Theatre Breaks will go on sale from Wednesday 26 November 2025.
I’ll see you there.