Jesus Christ Superstar

This show was turned into an arena production a while ago but I am pleased to say this production has taken it back to its original state with the majority of characters wearing typical costumes of the time and some of the principals wearing modern dress.

The part of Jesus is not an easy part to portray as it requires someone who is young enough to be convincing in the part, able to sing the songs many of which have a tremendous range and also be able to get the full emotions through to the audience, by using Nicholas Gillott this company need have no worries, he was first class. Speaking to Nick after the show he told me he was worried as he does not consider himself to be a singer. Well he may not be able to sing any arias from Don Giovanni but he can certainly get the songs over in this show which was especially so in his rendition of Gethsemane. This is not an easy one to perform but Nick certainly did it the credit due.

Of course having a good Jesus is good but you also need a good actor in the part of Judas who becomes the one who betrays Jesus. David Cooper was excellent in this and was able to bring this part to life especially in Judas’ Death scene which was perfect.

The part of Caiaphas requires someone with a good bass voice and Adrian Smith gave this part life, again being able to get over the venom required. I also enjoyed Lisa Kendall’s performance as Mary, she not only sang but performed the song “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” again bringing out the emotion required of this number.

There are many parts in this show and all were played very well including the members of the chorus who were able to create an individual character of their own producing some really good cameo parts. Other parts which are worth a mention are Michael Cooper as Simon, Ryan Howe as Peter, Pete Mayson as Pilate and Paul Pearson as Herod producing the little humour in this show in Herod’s Song.

Congratulations to all involved.

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