The Award-Winning Production of Jesus Christ Superstar to Tour New Zealand from October
Published: Wednesday 25 February 2026
ON SALE MARCH 18 | WAITLIST HERE TO ACCESS THE BEST SEATS
Following acclaimed and sold-out runs in London as well as an extensive tour of North America, the UK, and Australia, the Olivier Award-winning reimagined production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber celebrated musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR will play in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch this October through to December, as part of a major international tour.
“A gorgeous, thrilling, heavenly musical.”
- The Guardian
“Hallelujah! An almighty revelation.”
- The Daily Telegraph
Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar, and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, this production was reimagined by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, where it originated, and is helmed by director Timothy Sheader and choreographer Drew McOnie. Completing the creative team is design by Tom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Nick Lidster, and music supervision by Tom Deering.
A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a timeless work that explores the biblical portrayal of the extraordinary events that led to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of his betrayer, Judas Iscariot. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles among Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, Jesus’ disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire. Originally released as a concept album, the iconic 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as ‘Superstar’, ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, and ‘Gethsemane’.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR opened on Broadway in 1971 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre. The original London production opened at the Palace Theatre on 9 August 1972 and ran for over eight years. By the time it closed, after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has been reproduced regularly around the world in the years since its first appearance, with performances including a Broadway revival in 2012, an ITV competition TV show called Superstar that led to casting Ben Forster as Jesus in an arena tour of the show, and a production at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre celebrating 45 years since the musical’s Broadway debut. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR will also have a limited run at the iconic London Palladium in summer 2026, this production was originally created and produced at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
Producer David Ian said, “Jesus Christ Superstar has captivated audiences across the globe, and we’re thrilled to bring this Olivier Award‑winning production to New Zealand. With its electrifying energy and extraordinary performances, whether you’ve loved the show for years or are experiencing it for the first time, it promises to be unforgettable.”
Carlos Candal, CEO of GMG Productions, said: “We’re beyond thrilled to bring one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most iconic and influential musicals of all time to New Zealand . Jesus Christ Superstar is a show that transcends generations. Its music and story continue to inspire audiences, and we can’t wait fo New Zealand fans to experience this powerful production live.
This production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and the 2016 Evening Standard Award for Best Musical, selling out two consecutive engagements in 2016 and 2017. The production played a West End engagement at the Barbican in 2019 before returning to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in concert version during the summer of 2020, followed by a universally acclaimed UK tour in 2023/24.
Casting to be announced.
The 2026 Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is produced by GMG Productions and David Ian for Crossroads Live and Work Light Productions. The original production was produced by London's Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.
The New Zealand season will run from 21 October – 15 November at The Civic in Auckland; 18 – 28 November at the St James Theatre in Wellington and 2 – 6 December at the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch. Waitlist today at JesusChristSuperstar.co.nz. Tickets will officially go on sale on 18 March via Ticketmaster and Ticketek.
For additional information about this production, please visit www.jesuschristsuperstar.com
