JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

This was a definite tour de force, a strong cast delivered an exciting production.   The contemporary take gave this a different look, fuelled by Facebook posts regarding a car!  Said car was placed on the floor downstage left, and used by Judas and the cast.  This was balanced by scaffolding stage right, on varying levels, used by Annas, Caiaphus and the Priests, thus designating the different settings without scene changes or break in the flow of action.  The hanging scene and Crucifixion were very well portrayed, with a stunning cross.

The lighting was well-designed, and worked well apart from a couple of late focussing of ‘spots’!  Sound was mostly good, although there a few issues with mics not working or late cues, and I felt that Judas’s mic perhaps needed adjusting as some of his words in the lower register were a little indistinct.  I also had trouble hearing some of the cast’s words in Act 1 particularly, the band on stage seemed overloud which was perhaps down to difficulty with sound balance at the venue.  That said, the band created an awesome sound.

I thought the costumes echoed the feel of the production, although there were a couple that I did not feel were suitable for stage wear that were distracting, but that was the choice of the team!  The diversity and inventiveness of the cast was fun.

Ruaridh Macphee (Jesus) injected a wonderful stillness and almost otherworldly persona into his performance, so lovely against the other more full-on portrayals, which made him stand out as he should.  I noticed particularly his eyes, which seemed to glitter as they caught the light, probably by accident, but for me, a lovely touch.

Matt Fowler (Judas) gave us a compelling character, showing his insecurities and torment, whilst adopting an attitude to cover this, which showed in the intensity of his delivery. 

Aly Morrell (Mary), was both bewildered and adoring, an in-depth performance that was moving.  Again giving another dimension to the relationships between the three actors.

Alex Horrox-White (Caiaphus), Andy Francis (Annas), along with the Priests - Sharon Galatis, Stephen Hathaway and Adam Briffett – created a menacing group, who exchanged knowing looks and created such a different harder edge with their attitude.  Well-sung by all, although again sometimes difficult to hear words.  I was impressed with Alex’s lower register!

Russell Stratton (Pilate) was both commanding and slightly reflective in his ‘Dream’ number, creating a good contrast with the more authoritative figure in later scenes, again completely different to the other characters, a fine powerful portrayal.

The Disciples were a diverse mix of actors, headed by Tony Khublall as the calm and friendly Simon delivering such a telling number beautifully, with Chris Perry as Peter who denied Jesus, showing his sorrow at the situation.  I liked the Last Supper freeze frame, well-accomplished - the group had a cohesive feel.

David Kral (Herod) was a welcome relief to the angst and disquiet created by the main story, with his bizarre costume and brightly clad ladies he led a delightful musical number with loads of humour and innuendo – very good.

The ensemble were fully invested in the production and gave good performances, I felt each person had thought about how their character would react and interact, which kept the interest very real.  Musically very sound and pleasing.

My thanks for our host, we were well looked after, always a pleasure to visit HMTC.  Good to chat to the Director, committee members and meet up with many amdram colleagues.  I said ‘enjoy’ was not the right term for this production, and still have not come up with an alternative, however suffice to say it was an impressive theatrical experience.

 

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