Godspell

This show is scripted to open with a very technical vocal piece called Tower of Babble,    Many societies do not perform the song as it is a difficult song to do well.  Brentwood Operatic had no such qualms and the performance was effective and well sung.  It set the bar for the rest of the performance and the harmonies were particularly well executed throughout the show, well done to MD Ian Southgate.  It was a shame, though, that I was unable to see the heads of the performers in the centre from my seat in the back row of the auditorium.  Sightlines are so important, I recommend that the director sits in those seats for the dress rehearsal to check.

This was a very strong cast, although I did feel that not all the performers actually gave their strongest performance.   No mics were used and, indeed, they are not essential in this intimate theatre space.   However many of the soloists did not project enough and the vocals were not always delivered as strongly as they could have been.   This is a show about passion and strong emotions so I expected to hear that in the singing.

The cast worked very hard to present the various stories that were being narrated and the overall effect was one of colour and joy.   I just felt that it was a little bit superficial.

Director Jacob Allan had the cast changing characters very quickly so you had to be watching carefully to understand exactly what was going on at any given moment.  Overall he achieved this and the storyline flowed fairly well throughout.  There were a lot of people on stage.  If my memory serves me right, this show was written for a cast of 15, so having 26 cast members must have been a challenge!  However by cleverly moving people on and off stage we never really got the feeling that there were too many on stage.  Except, perhaps, for the Last Supper scene!

Stewart Briggs gave a very competent performance in the lead role of Jesus and Ben Martins was strong in the role of John the Baptist/Judas.  All the soloists performed well, with good characterisation.

The set was simple and the cast moved the props seamlessly and without fuss, making the pace consistent.   Costumes were colourful and in keeping with the ‘hippy traveller’ look of the show.  Lighting was good but I have to comment about performers who stand just outside of the light that was clearly meant to include them.  When on stage it must be obvious that you are standing outside the ‘halo’ of light and to move accordingly.  There is nothing more frustrating to watch a character singing or speaking and not be able to see their face because it is in the dark!

Overall a good show, colourful and interesting to watch, well done to Brentwood Operatic and thank you for your continued hospitality, it is a pleasure to come to see your shows.

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