Godspell

Godspell is not a show I was familiar with and upon listening to the soundtrack on my journey to Blackmore Village Hall, it struck me that this was a very brave choice.

Theatre, in my opinion, should make you feel something. It's so much more than a pitch perfect lead. If there is no connection with the character or the song then you're simply entertaining an audience. I always want to be taken on a journey and under the excellent direction of Bill Edwards, Blackmore Players took me on an emotional rollercoaster which left me feeling proud of what they had achieved.

The sound which musical director, Bobby Jones, produced from a cast of 10 was simply divine. I was in complete awe of how so few people could produce such strong and moving vocals on every number.

I did wonder how they would accomplish “Tower of Babble” and although I wish I had heard the cast tackle this from their positioning in the audience, as its evident that they would have been able to take on the complexity of this number, I thought it was also a clever move to have this spoken instead.

Credit also where it is due to Bill Parkinson for the sound as the levels were perfect throughout and the band didn't overpower the vocals either. 

The lead, Jesus in a superman t-shirt and rainbow trousers was played astoundingly well by Craig Stevens. He had this wonderful warmth to him and his vocals were sublime. It would be difficult for anyone to not be deeply moved during the finale where Craigs angelic vocals and first class acting, shone. 

Nick Ford (Judas) set the tone for the show with his flawless rendition of “Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord” as soon as he started singing, I knew we were in for a treat. Another competent actor who gave a very honest portrayal.

In fact, every cast member gave an honest portrayal. There were no weak links from an acting perspective which is exceptional. I felt that I was watching an off West End production. It was very easy to forget I was in a village hall.

I am not usually a fan of having cast members come through or into the audience as it can feel awkward. However, I thoroughly enjoyed how the cast used the floor and breaking of the forth wall, especially in “Turn Back, O Man” a very raunchy number, executed well by Lisa Rawlings.

It was brave choices such as this which elevated my respect for each cast member. It's so challenging to be that exposed and they nailed it, every time.

Special mention to Gary Jones for a raw and beautiful rendition of “All Good Gifts” and also gorgeous vocals from Marcia Alderson in “day by day”

The set was simple but so incredibly effective. I loved how in the first act this spilled onto the floor within the audience and I appreciated details such as searching for a gift to bestow upon “the lord’ and picking up an empty amazon prime box before settling on a shoe within the rubbish.

There were so many messages layered within the props and the set which added depth to the story telling, none of which were lost on me and true to John-Michael Tebelaks original idea of teaching love and joy instead of hate and sadness, there were so many great choices from the director to bring a light heartedness to any of the “darker” stories. 

There was a particular moment in the show which really solidified the message of building a community and tied together all the stories so perfectly and this was the small individual hand gestures Jesus had with each of the followers within their stories, all being played out as a goodbye before he was crucified. It was such a subtle piece of direction which had an enormous effect. 

The lighting was mostly effective, especially the red lighting. Spotlights are obviously a little harder to navigate in the venue but I enjoyed the idea behind these choices even if from where I was sat they didn't always hit right. The flashlights were brilliant.

Sue Munn did an excellent job with the choreography/ movement keeping the moves simple yet slick.

Costumes would be the only part of the entire piece that I would nit pick, just because most of the costumes were so vibrant and wonderful and to me it didn't feel as if they all hit the mark but this does not take away from how outstanding the show was and I am very much looking forward to returning for future shows. 

Natalie Hills

District 10

NODA East

 

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