Tyrone Huntley on returning to Jesus Christ Superstar

Jesus Christ Superstar is one of the most well-known rock operas, ever. 

Having been through so many stagings, adaptations and revivals, the retelling of the biblical Gospel’s accounts of The Passion, the time period before Jesus’ death and his interactions with his disciples, in particular, Judas, who would go on to betray him. 

We’re chatting with Tyrone Huntley, who is currently playing Judas in the 2026 production of Jesus Christ Superstar after having returned to the role, previously performing as Simon Zealotes at the Hollywood Bowl. It’s a production that Huntley has been proud to have been a part of over the last decade. 

“...With every new cast, we get a new energy with this show. The casting department are amazing at bringing in really unique, exciting personalities that keep the rehearsal room alive, and obviously this time we're led by Eurovision sensation, Sam Ryder, which is wonderful. He's such a generous performer and such a joy to be around. But more than that, as someone who's coming into a rehearsal process for the very first time, not just for this show, but ever. It's his first acting role. He's had such an eager spirit to get the job done, and we've welcomed him with open arms, and he's such a committed and dedicated performer.” 

With every new casting of Jesus that Huntley appears alongside, he sees it as an opportunity to refresh the role of Judas and go “back to the foundations of their relationship.” With the wholehearted support of director, Tim Sheader, Huntley recognises this as the best dynamic he’s ever had between himself and his castmates who play Mary Magdalene and Jesus Christ. 

The relationship that Jesus and Judas share is something that Huntley and the wider team really worked to show that it was “rooted first and foremost and fundamentally in love”. Like many actors Huntley never wants to attach the moniker of ‘bad person’ to the roles he plays, he believes this strongly about Judas and his wider character as he has been known as “the ultimate betrayer for millennia.” 

Huntley expands, “we really wanted to focus on the fact that every decision that Judas makes, and every decision that Jesus makes and everyone makes in the show is rooted in a love for the cause that they're fighting for, but also a deep love for each other.” 

This made the rehearsal period quite intense, even for someone as seasoned as Huntley. They were all “absolutely exhausted” in the lead up to Press Night but “had such a great time and the response was wonderful. So it was all worth it in the end.” 

Jesus Christ Superstar continues to also be one of the most challenging shows vocally that Huntley’s ever worked on. When not in rehearsals, Huntley focuses on the quiet and “staying hydrated.” Once it hits 6PM, Huntley works to ensure he’s been through a proper vocal and physical warm-up pre-show. During the show, this process continues and Huntley will work through processes such as, “massaging my jaw and lowering my larynx.” Once a week, during the run Huntley receives vocal massages as well as a physio appointment to ensure that all tension being held is released safely. 

We take time to speak about Huntley’s relationship with his alternate Judas, Billy Nevers. Nevers also plays Simon in the current production, he's also previously starred in the Jesus Christ Superstar Concert staged in 2020, but is also known for his work with West End’s Hamilton too. 

The cast also has a rotating King Herod, something which is a large draw for audiences who might not have been tempted previously. From Layton Williams to Bob The Drag Queen to Rob Brydon, there’s truly a King Herod for everyone and whilst audiences get a free concert from a favourite there’s also the gift of being introduced to a new actor. 

“They get to come and see that performance but also are in welcomed into the entire the cast in its entirety and they go, "Oh my goodness, wow! I didn't know who that was, but now I do, and I'm going to follow their career. I think that's really special way of doing things, and it's really kept the show alive.” 

The audiences are truly loving their time and The Palladium. The responses are nothing like Huntley has ever seen before from a theatre audience. “It's deafening. It's overwhelming throughout the show, not just in the curtain call but, the show is getting standing ovations mid-show, and that is unheard of in UK shows. It's really quite thrilling to be a part of,” Huntley looks extremely proud.

This is also heightened by the fact that there is a standing stage audience. Judas has interactions with the audience but previously there has been a physical distance between Huntley and the crowd, now that barrier has been removed Huntley feels like it highlights that sense of “mob mentality” and urgency that the show requires at points. 

And one recommendation that isn’t JCS? CATS at Regent’s Park Open Air. 

Jesus Christ Superstar plays at The London Palladium until 5 September

Jesus Christ Superstar plays at Theatre Royal Dury Lane from 16 October