Jesus Christ Superstar

JCS has long been one of my most favourite shows which can be a double edged sword for societies who attempt it. I know if there is a note out of place and although there were a couple of different arrangements in this, for me they only added to this brilliant production.

The set was simple and minimalistic but worked beautifully. The costumes were stunning, the props were in keeping and the lighting was magnificent. I know the lighting plot was also designed by Lee Brennan the Director and his vision and changes of scenes were nothing short of brilliant. Every scene was beautifully placed and expertly directed. The make up especially the blood and bruises

The music sounded great under the baton of Paul Firth and the harmonies were lovely and had clearly been worked at throughout the rehearsal period. The choreography had Liz’s name all over it as it looked incredible and was drilled so that nothing was out of place. Herods song was raunchy and Jesus Christ Superstar was polished and stylish. Well done Liz Linden and your wonderful dancers.

And now to the wonderful cast. All the supporting cast filled their roles beautifully with no one on stage out of character. The apostles sounded great with some wonderful harmonies. Dominic Dunne as Peter deserves a special mention as “Could We Start Again Please” was beautifully sung.

Caiaphas, Annas and Eleazar were expertly filled by Brian Ganderton, Jon Clay and Peter Wakefield and the platform boots looked sensational too giving extra height to each of them making them more threatening.

Steve Maxfield did a good job as Herod but this felt a little underplayed especially with the dancers on stage who commanded that scene. Jon Crebbin was brilliant as Pilate and his torment acting was powerful.

The 3 leads were stunningly cast. Hannah Davenport as Mary acted superbly and sounded stunning and I loved the arrangement on "I Don’t Know How to Love Him”.

Nick Ward was brilliant as Judus with wonderful vocals and acting empathically to the character. The angst he showed and the death scene made me both gasp and cry.

John A Wood played Jesus with an ethereal quality that obviously suited the character. His songs were faultlessly delivered and his acting had so much emotion in it I sometimes forgot I was watching a show.

Every part of this show was beautifully constructed and delivered with stunning vocals, drilled dance moves and acting to a professional level. Well done to all involved in what will be a show I will remember for a very long time.

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