Jesus Christ Superstar’s Tyrone Huntley On Reprising Judas, Sam Ryder & A Decade Of Growth

Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera retelling of the Passion – the final week of Jesus’s life, viewed through one man’s conscience. Exploring the events leading up to Judas’s betrayal, it is a spin on a tale as old as time that has endured for 50 years and continues to provoke, challenge and move audiences worldwide. Now, as the iconic production plays at the London Palladium all summer, C&TH sits down with one of Britain’s finest theatre talents who stars in the lead.

Tyrone Huntley first played Judas at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre a decade ago, earning an Olivier Award nomination and the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Emerging Talent. Since then, he has cemented his reputation as one of British musical theatre’s defining performers through major roles in Dreamgirls, The Book of Mormon, Memphis, Hairspray and Hello, Dolly! And now he’s back in the role that kickstarted it all.

Below, C&TH sits down with Tyrone to discuss reprising the role, working alongside Sam Ryder as Jesus, and how a decade of life experience has transformed his understanding of one of musical theatre’s most demanding and rewarding characters.

Tyrone Huntley: ‘Playing the London Palladium is a dream.’ (Melanie Gail Photography)

Q&A: Tyrone Huntley On Jesus Christ Superstar

Hi Tyrone, how’s life going at the moment?

Very well thanks, happy to be in London for the summer!

You can currently be seen in Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium. Can you give us an elevator pitch for the musical for anyone unfamiliar?

Yes, so, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar is essentially a rock opera retelling of the Passion – the final week of Jesus’ life. The difference is that we view the story mostly from the perspective of Judas, as we explore the events that lead to him committing what’s often regarded as the ultimate betrayal which is the catalyst for the crucifixion of Christ. Fun, right?

What has the run been like so far?

The shows have been incredible. Playing the London Palladium is a dream and the audiences are wonderful and so generous. It’s an exhausting show for everyone involved but we’re all having the best time and getting such an enthusiastic response from the audience makes it all worth it.

Tyrone Huntley: ‘I never really remember how challenging this role can be until I’m doing it!’ (Johan Persson)

You play Judas – what is he like in the musical?

He’s having a tough time, bless him. He’s a single voice that seems to be constantly coming up against a collective. He carries so much love within him, for Jesus and for his tribe, and wants to do the right thing. He feels isolated and ignored and ultimately manipulated into sacrificing himself and his legacy… and he just wants to know why. Why him?

You first played the role at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in 2016 (a decade ago!). What has it been like to return to the part?

I’ve played the role multiple times in those ten years but this has been the longest gap – five years! It’s a shock to the system. I never really remember how challenging this role can be until I’m doing it! I often liken it to what I hear about childbirth… if I genuinely remembered how traumatic it is, I’d never do it again! It’s extreme in every sense, emotionally, physically (and I’m 10 years older now!) and especially, vocally. That said, obviously, as an actor it’s a gift of a role and I’m honoured that the creative team still trusts me with it. It’s equally terrifying and exhilarating and there’s never a dull moment walking that line! Everyday is a school day.

How has your take on Judas evolved between these productions?

Having 10 years’ more life experience to draw from, I think I understand Judas more. The world has changed a lot politically in the last decade and it’s become increasingly common to be in a position where you have so much love for someone while, at the same time, fundamentally disagreeing with their opinions and actions. It’s never as black and white as wrong or right. This very human inner conflict is the dilemma that haunts Judas throughout this piece and that’s much easier to relate to given the real life events of recent years.

Did you do anything special to return to the headspace and physicality of the character?

Voice work. I’ve had more time to prepare for this run than I ever had with this role previously so I was able to start my vocal prep early to try and get my voice as healthy as possible. It’s the most demanding vocal track I’ve ever done and probably ever will do so in anticipation of that; it was vital for me to start rehearsals in a good place with my voice.

Tyrone Huntley: ‘Once the spotlight hits me and I make eye contact with Jesus, that’s when the ball starts rolling. That’s when I become Judas.’ (Johan Persson)

Any standout moments from rehearsals?

On the final day of rehearsals we had our sitzprobe and sang along with the orchestra for the first time. That was a special day. Emotional. I was singing ‘Superstar’, the final number of the show, and as I looked around the room to see the director Tim Sheader, Drew McOnie the choreographer, Tom Deering (musical supervisor), and the faces of many others who created this version of the show at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre all those years ago, I got so choked up thinking about how far we’ve come that I couldn’t finish the song! I felt such pride for what we made and so privileged to be back in the room with all of them, heading to the London Palladium, no less!

How do you get into character before a show?

Well, I intentionally don’t actually. Right up until I’m on the stage, my thought process is very technical. I remind myself of any notes I’ve been given by the director, check I’ve got the right costume on, make sure I’m hydrated etc. As an ensemble we enter the stage as a group of artists who are going to tell the audience a story. There’s a moment in the overture where our Jesus and all the principal characters are ‘chosen’. Once the spotlight hits me and I make eye contact with Jesus, that’s when the ball starts rolling. That’s when I become Judas. I think this brings with it an urgency… There’s no time to settle – it’s happening. Now.

Anything you’ve noticed audiences responding particularly well to?

Sam’s ‘Gethsemane’ is always a hit. The way he gives everything he has in that moment is undeniably impressive. His vocal, the orchestration, the lighting – the culmination of all of this elicits a primal response from the audience who are hanging off his every word. It’s truly brilliant theatre.

What has been your favourite project to date?

My background as a performer has mostly been in theatre but recently I’ve started to shift towards doing more screen acting. Last year I filmed the role of Jerry Sloane in A Woman of Substance for Channel 4 and had the most wonderful experience. Jerry was the first recurring role I’d played on a television show which basically meant I was on set more and got to watch and observe and therefore learn more… Which is the only way to improve. Acting on stage and screen are equally challenging but altogether completely different skills. Most of my scenes were with Emmy and Oscar nominee Brenda Blethyn and spending time with her both on and off screen was invaluably educational. The whole cast and crew were a joy to be around and the producers and show runners made me feel truly welcome. I loved it.

Any roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!)

I’ve recently provided the voice for a very exciting Netflix family animation project! I can’t say what it is but I’m looking forward to that coming out!

Who has been your favourite actor to work with in the past?

I couldn’t choose. But I have been extremely lucky to have worked with a number of my closest friends on various shows which is always an absolute pleasure. I feel a lot more confident and less self-conscious when I’m working with friends.

Which co-star did you learn the most from?

I like to think I’m constantly learning from every single person I share a stage or screen time with. It’s probably obvious to say how inspiring it was to work with legends like Imelda Staunton and Brenda Blethyn but also actors of my generation who so relatively early in their lives and careers are making huge waves, actors like Cynthia Erivo, John Boyega and Amber Riley.

Who is an actor, writer or director you’d love to work with?

Barry Jenkins. Let’s make it happen, ha!

Do you get to spend much time at home?

The concept of home is a weird one for me because I’ve lived in Los Angeles in the US for the past few years but my family is in Lincolnshire and most of my work is in London! When I’m in LA, I don’t get out much – I’m either at the gym or at home… so… yes! But I’d love to be able to spend more time in Lincoln with my family. If I’m in the UK for work, I try and bookend my trip with some time at home, and I’ve been lucky that I’ve been able to do that at least a couple of times a year.

Do you live in the town or the country? Which do you prefer?

I live in the town and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Getting older the city buzz is certainly losing its appeal but the quiet of the country is unsettling for me. I love being on my own and spending quality time with myself – as an introvert, it’s my favourite, actually – but I like knowing I’m not alone. I want to be able to look out my window and see another human. Not, I don’t know, a horse.

What’s your interior design style?

I would say I’m outwardly a minimalist… Very simple, plain furniture limited art or ornamental pieces. But when you open a closet or cupboard or anything with a door or drawer… Chaos.

How do you find balance in your personal and work lives?

Next question. Hahaha! It’s difficult. Especially on a job like Jesus Christ Superstar where I have to be pretty silent when I’m not at work in order to stay vocally healthy. A normal social life is kind of impossible. Luckily, like I said, I don’t mind spending time on my own so I don’t feel like I’m necessarily missing out if I have to skip drinks with the cast or miss out on a brunch with friends because I have to get to the theatre five hours early to start my vocal warm-up process!

Luckily, I only really do short work contracts these days… So I’ll work on a show for three or four months then have a break then I’ll do a bit of filming for a few weeks then another break and so on. In my downtime I’m able to get out more and make up for being 100 percent work-focussed when I’m on a job.

How can we all live a little bit better?

Smile more. Or at least smile back when someone smiles at you. There’s nothing worse than offering a smile and getting a scowl in return. Now I’m in a bad mood too!!!

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

I want to do a dessert crawl of Central London before I head back to the States. Cake and baked goods are my weakness and my good friend and fellow performer Adrian Hansel promised me a trip to at least a couple of viral bakeries so we might make a day of it!

Tyrone Huntley: ‘A normal social life is kind of impossible.’ (Melanie Gail Photography)

What Tyrone Is Loving Right Now

I’m currently watching… The Boys – epic.

What I’m reading… During rehearsals, Our Evenings by Alan Hollinghurst kept me company on my commutes. I’ve just started James Baldwin’s Another Country but admittedly, I’ve read the first chapter about four times.

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… The Pitt – I never really get starstruck or fangirly but I recently sat behind Noah Wyle on a flight and simply had to tell him how brilliant he is. As big fan of ER and now The Pitt, I couldn’t resist. He was so lovely with only the slightest hint of ‘please, leave me alone’. Haha!

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… The new season of X-Men ’97.

Favourite film of all time… It changes a lot but… Fame (1980).

Favourite song of all time… According to my music streaming app, my most streamed is ‘Always Be My Baby’ by Mariah Carey… But I couldn’t possibly choose a favourite song, sorry!

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Esperanza Spalding.

My ultimate cultural recommendation… Elaine Paige on Sunday.

Cultural guilty pleasure… EastEnders. Actually, though I feel zero guilt. It’s brilliant.

Tyrone Huntley stars in Jesus Christ Superstar, running at the London Palladium until 5 September 2026. Book at lwtheatres.co.uk