Story perspectives

Boy George withdraws from Jesus Christ Superstar after backlash.

7/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Boy George withdrew from the London Palladium’s West End revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, where he was to play King Herod Aug 3-15.
Manager Paul Kemsley announced on Instagram the withdrawal followed backlash to Boy George’s reggae track “We Will Dance Again,” which references the Oct 7, 2023 Nova festival attack.
Actor Richard Armitage, already in the rotating King Herod cast, will cover shows as the production starring Sam Ryder as Jesus runs through Sep 5.

History

Historical Context

Martin Scorsese’s 1988 film *The Last Temptation of Christ*, released August 12, sparked bans in Greece, South Africa and Turkey and violent protests, including a Paris cinema fire that injured 13 people. In 2023 Boy George’s reggae single referencing the Oct 7 Nova festival attack drew similar backlash, illustrating how portrayals of religious or current conflicts still provoke censorship from groups such as the Catholic Church.

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Story summary

Boy George withdrew from the London Palladium’s West End revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, where he was to play King Herod Aug 3-15.
Manager Paul Kemsley announced on Instagram the withdrawal followed backlash to Boy George’s reggae track “We Will Dance Again,” which references the Oct 7, 2023 Nova festival attack.
Actor Richard Armitage, already in the rotating King Herod cast, will cover shows as the production starring Sam Ryder as Jesus runs through Sep 5.

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