Jesus Christ Superstar

I was really looking forward to seeing this production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lyrics by Tim Rice as it has been a number of years since I last saw this musical and to say I was not disappointed is an understatement. Directed by Diane Simmons and Jackie Doherty this was not only an excellent production it was also a very emotional experience. The cast included some very talented singers and performers who all worked together as a team to bring this show to life on the stage. Christian Brabin was outstanding as the agonized Jesus waiting to face his ultimate challenge and sacrifice, his rendition of Gethsemane was so gripping that by the end of the song the audience erupted into a spontaneous cheer. Charlotte Unsworth shone as Mary Magdalene singing very well with lots of expression and feeling and Dan Sheader’s voice was just right for the frustrated and tormented Judas Iscariot.  The other apostles worked well together, there were no weak links as each one played his part well and those with solo parts sung soundly. The three priests Caiaphas- Chris Higson, Annas- Paul Stanley and Betzalel Ashley Hambrook had good rich singing voices and they were all suitably threatening. Ian Hawyes as Pontius Pilate also had a lovely rich singing voice and his diction was superb and Philip May treated us to an enjoyable comedic characterisation as King Herod.

As is usual with Lloyd Webber musicals this show is completely sung through, so it is imperative that all the performers are able to tell the story through their singing, meaning diction should be clear and words must be heard easily, however on this occasion although lyrics could be heard from the majority of performers there were one or two characters where the words were not very clear, but this did not detract from my enjoyment of the show.  The chorus supported the principles singing and moving very well and all the cast performed with lots of energy and enthusiasm appearing to enjoy themselves very much. Choreography also by Diane Simmons and Jackie Doherty was well thought out, suitable for this type of production and looked good and the Orchestra led by Musical Director Dave Dossett were excellent supporting the performers well, although they were a little loud on a few occasions. Costumes by Helen Dickinson were very colourful and suited the roles well and the set design was excellent and very effective, a great deal of thought and care must have gone into getting this right.  Well done to all involved in the Set Design (Diane Simmons Jackie Doherty and Rob Armstrong), Scenic Design (Howard Bates) and all set builders and painters led by Stage Manager Stephen Pilkington. In the past I have mentioned in a number of my reviews for this venue the poor quality of the sound but on this occasion there appeared to be no problems as sound along with lighting was very good.

Congratulations to all involved with this outstanding thought provoking production, thank you for a very enjoyable evening and thank you for inviting me. I look forward to seeing you for your next production.
 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.