Today, 16th May, critically acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Sam Ryder releases brand new recording from Jesus Christ Superstar ahead of his West End debut this summer. With lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the song Gethsemane was first recorded in 1970 and is the first track released ahead of the upcoming West End production starring Ryder in the titular role of Jesus.
Due to phenomenal demand, The London Palladium season has already broken box office records and has been extended for a limited 12-week run at Theatre Royal Drury Lane starting in October, with Ryder continuing his role as Jesus.
Ryder will perform the track live this Saturday night, 16th May, when he appears on Britain’s Got Talent, from 6pm on ITV1.
Following this live performance, Sam Ryder’s recording of Gethsemane will be available to listen to on all streaming platforms from Saturday evening. The emotional climax of Jesus Christ Superstar, Ryder brings a powerful and gut-wrenching element to Jesus, highlighting the struggle of his impending sacrifice throughout the song.
Ryder moves through Gethsemane with the vulnerability and intensity the role of Jesus is known for, complimenting the dramatic orchestration that collides musical theatre with progressive rock. The music has a polyphonic urgency and foreboding feel to the percussion and strings, perfectly accompanying the story within the song.
Recorded live to tape at the iconic British Grove Studios earlier this year,Gethsemane is Ryder’s take on one of musical theatre’s most iconic and challenging songs, showcasing his skill, range and vocal power and acrobatics. It was produced by Sam Ryder, Andrew Lloyd Webber and the legendary Fraser T. Smith who has worked with the likes of Adele, Stormzy, Dave and Raye on some of their biggest hits to date.
This first single gives fans a taste of what they can expect from the live production this summer, and is released through The Other Songs label. The production at The London Palladium and Theatre Royal Drury Lane is produced by Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals and directed by Tim Sheader.
This release and West End production follows Sam Ryder’s sophomore album Heartland, which was released last year and saw him perform his biggest headline show at London’s Wembley Arena. The album followed his 2022 debut album There’s Nothing but Space, Man! which reached UK number 1. Ryder has amassed over 20 million followers across social media and is BRIT and Emmy nominated.
Gethsemane is out now on all digital platforms ahead of a physical release later this summer.
Producers announced that Tony Award and multiple Olivier Award-winning director/producer Jamie Lloyd’s new production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterwork Evita will come to Broadway spring of 2027. Olivier Award winner, London Standard Theatre Award winner, and Golden Globe Award®winner Rachel Zegler will reprise her lauded role as ‘Eva Perón’ at a Shubert theater to be announced.
This September, Sofitel London St James is poised to unveil a limited-edition Afternoon Tea experience celebrating Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, in collaboration with LW Entertainment. Available daily from 16thSeptember to 31st March 2026 between 12pm – 5:30pm.
Cameron Mackintosh is delighted to announce new casting for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty’s Theatre from Monday 28 July 2025.The Phantom of the Opera is currently booking until Saturday 28 March 2026.
Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals and Jamie Lloyd for The Jamie Lloyd Company today announce the full cast and creative team for Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita. The production, directed byJamie Lloyd, opens at The London Palladium on Tuesday 1 July, with previews from 14 June, and runs until 6 September 2025.
Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals and The Jamie Lloyd Company today announce Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita, directed by Jamie Lloyd, opening at The London Palladium. The production runs 14 June – 6 September 2025, with press night on Friday 27 June.
Following a multi-Olivier award-winning run in London, a stunning new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary SUNSET BLVD, directed by two-time Tony Award® nominee and multiple Olivier Award® winner Jamie Lloyd, is one of Broadway’s most anticipated events of the fall.
