Jesus Chris Superstar

It is always  a pleasure to visit a new company to NODA, especially if they are a Junior Company. This was what I did on the 1st and 2nd of March when I went to see Bridgend YouthTheatre’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

As with most youth companies they had double cast and as this was their only production this year I was fortunate to see both teams. To this end I will review both as Individual performances, as that is what this talented group of young actors deserve.

The Lloyd Webber / Rice musical requires no introduction from me as it is a very popular show, this was the first time I had seen a Youth Group Production. Pedro had a very simple set with some great lighting effects which reminded me greatly of the arena tour setting. The band under the capable hands of Matt Hampson were well balanced and controlled.

Lloyd Webber Team

The show opened with a great gusto and from her first entrance on stage as Judas Poppy Shears took command of the role, I enjoyed her portrayal of the Apostle who betrayed Jesus and she had a great belt to her voice, Hallie Maine-James played a lovely Mary Magdalene and I was impressed with the unassuming way she took the role. In my view it was the perfect characterisation.

On the Saturday matinee the role of Pilot was taken by Ava Robinson ,another young lady with a great voice, I really enjoyed both of her numbers.

They were ably supported by Josh Dennis as Caiaphas, Romy Francombe as Annas, Luke Mumford as Peter and Phoebe Hall as Simon Zealotes. Each one of these young actors played their roles well  and are to be congratulated.

Considering I was watching on St David’s Day it was a funny moment when Gruff James entered as Herod in his woollen jumper bow tie and Welsh accent, a very funny rendition of Herod’s song.

Rice Team

Having spoken to Pedro and Matt during my first visit and knowing some of the cast changes I was looking forward to returning on the 2nd March.

Whilst I congratulate all the initial and alternate performers on their characterisation, everyone had listened to their Director obviously, and all of them I believe bought into his vision of the role, there were some totally different takes on the characters on the second day.

Judas was played by Toby Lewis and this young man gave an outstanding vocal and acting performance of this character. From Heaven on their Minds through to the end of the show I was very impressed by him.

Mary Magdalene in this cast was played by Nia Card, and like Hallie from the other cast gave a lovely controlled performance. I enjoyed both girls in this role especially their rendition of I don't know how to love him.

Pilot  was taken by Dan Huckridge who gave another strong performance of Pilate’s Dream and Trial before Pilate. 

Caiaphus in this performance was played by Naomi Perkins, and this is the role I was most looking forward to watching given the vocal range of the character. Naomi must be congratulated as every note was hit as written. She was ably supported by Lucia Gates as Annas. It was also refreshing watching Josh and Romy step in as Priests in this production as Naomi and Lucia had done to support them well done to you all.

Peter and Simon were played by Matt Neeson and Felix Wren -Owens and I think everyone enjoyed their performances.

In stark contrast to Gruff the role of Herod was taken by Ruby Richards, much to everyone's delight , poor dog when he was thrown ( a toy obviously before any cruelty accusations ) but another funny rendition of Herod’s Song.

Finally the one character that was played by the same person in all the shows was Jesus taken by Sam Doyle. All I can say is WOW. This is a huge role to take and Sam nailed it, he was note perfect throughout and his rendition of Gethsemane brought the house down on both the days I was there. His acting as well was totally believable with some of the more memorable moments enhanced by clever lighting design.

Both casts were well supported by an enthusiastic and talented group of young actors who all seemed to support each other and love what they were doing on stage. I especially liked Pedro’s use of the auditorium for certain numbers and entrances and exits.

There were a few technical problems on the first performance , especially the electric guitar,  but this did not take away from what this young company achieved.

Congratulations to you all and I look forward to your next production.

 

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