Boy George Pulls Out of West End Jesus Christ Superstar After Controversial Song Release
British music icon Boy George has pulled out of a planned run as King Herod in the current West End revival of Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium, which was to begin August 3. The news was revealed by the artist’s manager, Paul Kemsley, on Instagram.
“George has never been afraid to stand by his personal convictions, and I have always respected him for that,” reads Kemsley’s statement. “Equally, I believe it is my responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interests of my artist while also showing respect to others. In this instance, I felt it was right to step aside, allowing the production to remain the focus, while ensuring everyone involved can move forward with mutual respect and goodwill.”
While the statement does not give explicit reasons for the departure, the move follows the June 27 release of Boy George’s latest song, “We Will Dance Again.” The song immediately drew criticism for its commentary on Israel and Palestine, disputing claims of genocide in the region and calling supporters of Palestine “sheep.” The artist also acknowledged that AI was used to create the song, which drew further criticism online. The song has since been taken down.
Boy George, recently seen on Broadway as Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge! The Musical, was to have been one of a large rotating roster of stars appearing as King Herod in the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice musical over its run at the Palladium, a group that also includes Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Simon Russell Beale, Richard Armitage, Layton Williams, Julian Clary, and more. According to the revival’s ticketing outlet, Armitage is extending his run in the role to cover Boy George’s abrupt departure.
Singer-songwriter and TikTok sensation Sam Ryder stars in the title role. The cast also includes Tyrone Huntley as Judas Iscariot, Desmonda Cathabel as Mary Magdalene, David Thaxton as Pontius Pilate, Bob Harms as Caiaphas, Matty J as Annas, Billy Nevers as Simon, and Phil King as Peter. 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 round out the company, along with standby Matthew Harvey.
The revival is a new mounting of director Timothy Sheader and choreographer Drew McOnie’s 2016 production from Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, which has become one of the most frequently mounted Jesus Christ Superstars in recent years. Since its premiere, the staging has returned to Regent’s Park, played London’s West End, and toured both the U.S. and U.K. The production features design by Tony and Olivier winner Tom Scutt (Cabaret).
The musical debuted in 1970 as a concept album, giving a rock edge to the Biblical Passion story of Jesus. The work put Lloyd Webber and Rice on the map, and continues to be one of their most beloved and produced works. In just the last few years, NBC mounted a live concert broadcast featuring John Legend, Sara Barellies, Brandon Victor Dixon, and Alice Cooper; while an all-star Hollywood Bowl staging starred Cynthia Erivo, Adam Lambert, and Phillipa Soo. The score includes such favorites as “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Gethsemane,” and the rousing title song.
The creative team at the Palladium also includes music supervisor Tom Deering, lighting designer Lee Curran, sound designer Adam Fisher, fight director Kate Waters, and casting director David Grindrod. Michael Harrison is producing for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, by arrangement with LW Entertainment.
The production will move to Theatre Royal Drury Lane following the Palladium run, performing there October 16, 2026-January 9, 2027. That stint’s King Herods will include Matt Bomer, Rob Brydon, Reece Shearsmith, Bob the Drag Queen, Michael Ball, and Omid Djalili, along with encore bows for Beale and Williams.
Tickets are at London.JesusChristSuperstar.com.
