Godspell

It was a splendid idea to stage this musical in the parish church during the Easter season.  Most of it is based on the parables found chiefly in St. Matthew’s Gospel leading to a fairly lengthy sequence at the end depicting the events of Holy Week and the Crucifixion.

The disadvantage in using such a location is, of course, the absence of the usual theatrical equipment and so lighting and sound had been imported in order to achieve maximum effect.  Whilst this did enhance the performance, there is no doubt that the company itself was responsible for the majority of its success.  Costumes and set were simple but this is a show where anything else would be out of place. Quite rightly, the emphasis was on the text, supplemented by the “disciples” in mime. They also take it in turn to deliver the songs and all this was achieved with great confidence.  All involved are on stage throughout which requires great concentration so as to remain in character but again this was not a problem for this cast.  David Lee as Jesus held it all together well and Colin Aspinall, doubling as John the Baptist and Judas, as is usual in this show, made a particularly dramatic and effective exit from the Last Supper.  Except for these two and one of the chorus, this was an otherwise all female cast and I can only assume that the men of the Society were resting before tackling “The Full Monty” later this year!

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