Godspell

Godspell is structured as a series of parables, primarily based on the Gospel of Matthew. The parables are interspersed with music with the passion of Christ appearing briefly near the end of the show. It is packed full of beautiful songs and uses the cast’s skills of performing physical theatre as well as more traditional presentations all of which require a really creative team.

Director Linda had chosen to present the musical in the setting of a railway station and they used hand sanitiser for baptism, suggesting that if Christ were to come it could be in the most ordinary and mundane of places where people are going about their daily work and His word accepted or rejected just the same. Looking at the set you immediately knew that you were in a railway station with a footbridge set up, the portrayal of the crucifixion with the change of the railway signal to a cross was inspired.

The cast gradually changed from dark clothes to bright colours when they heard and accepted the word of Jesus, and changed to black clothes towards the end of his life, this was a subtle but poignant touch. The lighting plot complemented the piece creating some lovely visuals in the numbers and the sound was good. The off stage band under David’s direction created a full but never overpowering accompaniment. The lead role of Jesus was taken by David Hardy, he gave a confident and endearing interpretation and came across as someone you would like to listen to, his vocal performance was also good. As his contemporary and evangelist John and later portraying Judas, Gary Hoyle gave a strong performance again with good vocals. In Godspell there are no named characters as such, cast members use their own names and work as a company to provide support. Every cast member without exception, was given words to say or songs to lead and although called Youth Connection Theatre Company this group are a wide range of ages all working together to create good inclusive theatre it was just that, a totally inclusive production. Some of the standout performances for me came from Jamie Donkin, Rachel Duncan, Beth Elvin, Emily Hardy and Jake Marshall. The harmonies in “By My Side” were exquisite and so moving, “We Beseech Thee” was lively with great choreography, and “Prepare Ye” was joyous, I could go on as this show is a personal favourite of mine and I adore the score.

This was definitely a “company” production and the camaraderie of the cast certainly came across. Thank you for a super evening’s entertainment.

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