Julian Clary to play Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar at His Majesty’s Theatre

Julian Clary will play the role of Herod for the launch of the UK tour of the Olivier Award - winning reimagined production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical Jesus Christ Superstar, coming to Aberdeen’s His Majesty’s Theatre from October 10- 14.

Julian joins the previously announced lead cast, Ian McIntosh (Jesus), Shem Omari James (Judas) and Hannah Richardson (Mary).

Julian Clary said: “I am so thrilled to be a part of this amazing production and look forward to presenting my crazed, queer, imperious King Herod. I’m thinking Putin meets Cleopatra with a hint of Biggins.”

Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy , GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, this production was reimagined by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre where it originated and is helmed by director Timothy Sheader and choreographer Drew McOnie.

A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, Jesus Christ Superstar’s iconic 1970s rock score was originally released as a concept album and opened on Broadway in 1971 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre.

The original London production ran for over eight years.

By the time it closed, after 3358 performances, it had become the longest- running musical in West End history at that time.

Jesus Christ Superstar has been reproduced regularly around the world in the years since its first appearance, with performances including a Broadway revival in 2012, an ITV competition TV show called Superstar that led to casting Ben Forster as Jesus in an arena tour of the show, and a production at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre celebrating 45 years since the musical’s Broadway debut.

Jesus Christ Supertar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.

Tickets are on sale now from www.aberdeenperformingarts.com phone (01224) 641122 or visit the box office at His Majesty’s Theatre or the Music Hall .

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.