Britain's Newsroom star Andrew Pierce has questioned whether or not "wokery" has "captured" the latest run of Jesus Christ Superstar in London's West End.
The Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber rock opera is currently in previews, with performances continuing until September 5, 2026.
An official opening night is scheduled for July 7.
The production marks Mr Ryder's theatrical debut, bringing the singer to the West End stage for the first time in the role of Jesus.
Andrew Pierce
|GB NEWS
Mr Ryder is joined by a stellar principal cast at the Palladium, with Tyrone Huntley taking on the role of Judas Iscariot and Desmonda Cathabel portraying Mary Magdalene.
Olivier Award winner David Thaxton completes the lead ensemble as Pontius Pilate.
Both Mr Huntley and Mr Thaxton previously appeared in the 2016 open-air staging at Regent's Park.
The role of King Herod features a rotating lineup of celebrity performers throughout the summer run.
Sam Ryder is brilliant in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Palladium.but why is Judas spared the hangman’s noose. Has wokery captured our oldest finest story? https://t.co/7UR10HoFMN
— Andrew Pierce (@toryboypierce) June 29, 2026
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Richard Armitage, Boy George, Layton Williams and Julian Clary will each take turns in the part across different periods of the engagement.
Tim Sheader directs this latest incarnation, bringing together the same creative team responsible for the celebrated 2016 Regent's Park Open Air Theatre production that won an Olivier Award.
Olivier Award-winning choreographer Drew McOnie provides the movement, whilst Tony and Olivier Award winner Tom Scutt has designed the staging.
The creative team also includes musical supervisor Tom Deering, lighting designer Lee Curran and sound designer Adam Fisher.
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However, while such experience both on and off the stage has promised yet another successful adaptation, Andrew admitted there was one key feature that has left a sour taste.
Taking to X, the GB News star has questioned the creative decision in the new play, pointing out it does not include the hanging of Judas.
He penned on X: "Sam Ryder is brilliant in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Palladium.
"But why is Judas spared the hangman’s noose. Has wokery captured our oldest finest story?" (sic)
Sam Ryder currently fronts the production
| PAHis comments sparked quite the debate on social media, with some followers defending the production's move while others backed Andrew's opposition.
The musical dramatises the final days of Jesus Christ's life through the perspective of the aforementioned Judas.
Following its Palladium season, the production will transfer to Theatre Royal Drury Lane for a limited 12-week engagement running from October 16, 2026, to January 9, 2027.
The show will subsequently embark on a nationwide tour from February 11 to October 23, 2027, launching at Palace Theatre Manchester.
Sam Ryder
|PA
Mr Ryder is confirmed to continue in the lead role for the tour, with further casting still to be announced.