The Aporia · Glenn Close to appear as King Herod in West End’s Jesus Christ Superstar

Glenn Close to appear as King Herod in West End’s Jesus Christ Superstar

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Fabbro, L. D. (2026, October 6). Glenn Close to appear as King Herod in West End’s Jesus Christ Superstar. Evening Standard. https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/glenn-close-tim-rice-west-end-simon-russell-beale-matt-bomer-b1299717.html

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Award-winning actress Glenn Close, 79, known for her roles in films like "Fatal Attraction," will take on the role of King Herod in the West End production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" alongside Sam Ryder as Jesus from January 4 to 9 at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. This appearance concludes a 12-week extended run where nine performers, including Reece Shearsmith and Michael Ball, have shared the role. Producer Michael Harrison expressed confidence that Close will bring the season to a triumphant close, following an already successful London Palladium run with no empty seats or standing room left.

Written by AI on 2026-10-06, from this article's own text only (the story summary below draws on all the coverage).

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Story summary

Award-winning actress Glenn Close, best known for her role in *Fatal Attraction*, is set to perform as King Herod in the West End's Jesus Christ Superstar at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London. The show, directed by Tim Sheader and produced by Michael Harrison, has been extended for 12 weeks with Close concluding the final run from January 4 to January 9, 2024. During this period, the role of Herod will be shared among nine performers including Reece Shearsmith, Bob The Drag Queen, Michael Ball, Sir Simon Russell Beale, Omid Djalili, and Layton Williams. Close’s participation marks a significant addition to the cast, enhancing the production's prestige as it prepares for a UK tour following its London run.

Written for “Glenn Close Stage Debut” on 2026-11-05, grounded in this article and the 0 other(s) covering the same event.

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Who wrote this

Lauren Del Fabbro

103 article(s) here · 1 carrying a prediction

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All 103 articles by Lauren Del Fabbro →

Narrative

Claims (10 extracted, 0 hedged)

The award-winning actress, 79, best known for Fatal Attraction, will appear opposite Sam Ryder as Jesus for the show’s final run on the London stage in January. asserted

actress → win → January

Director Tim Sheader said: “Wow, what a blast to have Glenn Close Superstar in the house for our final week in London. asserted

Sheader → say → London

“I can’t wait for her artistry and imagination to meet the show.” asserted

artistry → wait → show

Close will conclude the season at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, after it was extended for 12 weeks during which the role will be shared among nine performers. asserted

role → conclude → performers

The other names to play Herod include Inside No 9 star Reece Shearsmith (November 9–14), Bob The Drag Queen (November 16–21), singer Michael Ball (November 23–December 5), and Death Of Stalin actor Sir Simon Russell Beale (December 7–12). asserted

names → play → Stalin

Comedian Omid Djalili will take on the role from December 14 to 19, followed by Bad Education actor Layton Williams from December 21 to January 2, with Close wrapping up the London show from January 4 to 9 before it heads on a UK tour. asserted

it → take → tour

Producer Michael Harrison added: “I am thrilled that we will welcome such an esteemed actor as Glenn Close in the final week that audiences will have to experience Tim Sheader’s spectacular production in London. asserted

audiences → add → London

“After a run of magnificent Herods, I am certain Glenn will bring the season at Theatre Royal Drury Lane to a triumphant close, following our London Palladium run where there wasn’t a single empty seat or standing place in the house. asserted

Glenn → bring → house

Close is a three-time Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony Award-winner whose memorable screen roles include Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction, Marquise Isabelle de Merteuil in Dangerous Liaisons, Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians, and Patty Hewes in Damages. asserted

roles → include → Damages

Read More The academy-award nominee will soon appear in The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping opposite Ralph Fiennes, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning and Billy Porter. asserted

nominee → read → Fiennes

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Glenn Close to appear as King Herod in West End’s Jesus Christ Superstar

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