Graham Norton, Amy Dowden and Self Esteem were among the guests as Jesus Christ Superstar gave a gala performance for Cancer Research UK at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
The West End revival of Jesus Christ Superstar handed its performance on 27 October over to Cancer Research UK, with producers Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals hosting a gala for the charity at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, WhatsOnStage reports.
The house was shared between the charity's supporters and a list of well-known names. Graham Norton, Amy Dowden, Rebecca Lucy Taylor (better known as Self Esteem), Brian Conley and Denise Van Outen were all in attendance, with Sam Ryder leading the company on stage as Jesus.
Producer Michael Harrison framed the evening as theatre doing something beyond the show itself: "Everyone connected with Jesus Christ Superstar is proud to support Cancer Research UK. Theatre has the unique ability to bring communities together and create a lasting impact beyond the stage. By supporting this important cause with a special Gala, we hope to play a part in raising awareness and make a meaningful difference to the lives of those affected by cancer."
Simon Ledsham, director of fundraising at Cancer Research UK, thanked the producers and everyone who came: "We're so grateful to everyone at Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals for hosting such a special evening in support of Cancer Research UK, and to everyone who came along. Every step we take towards beating cancer is made possible by people coming together like this. Together, we can continue driving the breakthroughs that bring us closer to a world where everybody can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer."
The gala falls in the middle of the production's Drury Lane stay. Tim Sheader's staging, choreographed by Drew McOnie and designed by Tom Scutt, moved there after a sold-out summer at the London Palladium, and a UK tour follows from February 2027.
Jesus Christ Superstar is booking at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane until 9 January 2027, with Glenn Close taking over as Herod for the final week.
