Jesus Christ Superstar

Keynsham Light Opera Group’s Production of “Jesus Christ Superstar”

Director: Jazz Bridgwater Court,

Producer: Joanne Meredith,

Choreographer: Tracey  English,

Musical Director: Lee Tesdale.

As seen by Bob Allen, NODA SW District 14 Representative ( on behalf of Delia Lee -local NODA contact)

on Friday, 11th July, 2025

at The Space, 5, Temple Street, Keynsham, Somerset.

PLEASE NOTE:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that his assessment will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice and features the final days of Jesus on earth leading up to his crucifixion.  The title embodies the reason for Judas’ betrayal – the "superstardom," or the hype, became more important than the very philosophical message Jesus wanted to convey, a message that Judas believed in. This musical has no spoken dialogue and focuses on the conflicts between Jesus, his disciples, the leadership of Rome, and the people of Israel. The music is wonderful but often complex and the lyrics need very clear diction making this show demanding for any group to undertake.

Firstly let me congratulate the whole group on how they used such a small space and could bring such talent to a difficult performance area. The saving grace, for my guest and I, was that this small space had air-conditioning, very welcome on one of the warmest evenings of the year. This acting space is built above the local library and holds an audience about seventy plus on fold away stacking seating. This leaves a small acting area which, on this visit, had a scaffold type “scenery” over three levels with all the talented musicians under and/or between the scaffold supports. I have never witnessed such a cramped arrangement before - or such tolerant musicians! The sound they produced from their hidey-holes was superb and was co-ordinated so finely by the MD, Lee. I enjoyed all their hard work but did think that the drummer, hidden from view, although very talented, might have been a little loud for the space. My respect goes out to these folk on a great job - well done.

The lighting and effects were limited by the performance area. For most of the performance we could see the faces of the singers and I feel this was a real achievement under the conditions available. There were also attempts at some video camera work during the trial scene. This was part of the Director’s updating of the story and sadly did not work well enough due to lighting conditions. At the crucifixion there was an illuminated multicoloured flashing cross, which was perhaps not to everybody’s taste.

I applaud the Director for trying to add a new spin to the story. This was a bold move. However unless you had read the programme notes beforehand it would not be clear what was happening on stage in some scenes. I feel that more thought during rehearsals may have shown a clearer path to follow. As there was no dialogue allowed in the original show then perhaps none could be added to the show to explain the sub plot. We are always tied by the show’s licencing laws. Despite the slight additions to the action the wonderful singing held strong under-pining the whole evening. As the Director, Jazz had inspired and encouraged some really beautiful performances from her cast and can be justly proud of that achievement.

From the programme I find I was watching twenty six very good singers who all blended superbly for the big numbers. Many of them had the chance of solo work and shone in that situation.  This was a performance by people who knew how to hold an audience and I must admit to an occasional moist eye. I was in awe of such a talented group. This was just the sort of project they could enjoy and make their own.

I will just focus on a few songs for comment but the whole evening was an overall success as far as this reviewer was concerned.

I’ll start with the main man – Jesus played by Matin.

His performance of “Gethsemane” was my highlight of the evening. All his songs were well performed and with meaning. A difficult role to attempt but passed with flying colours!

Judas played by Samuel. So much energy and a terrific voice. He played the part so well that he was almost living it. Congratualtions.

For our performance the part of Mary was played by Amy. Such a great pure voice and so varied. I could have listened to her sing all evening. My guest and I really enjoyed “Everything’s Alright” and “I don’t know how to…”

Caiaphas sung by Timothy. “Jesus must die” still resonates with me. Such a wonderful contrast of a voice. Great.

Pilate sung by Becki. Her voice shone in “Dream”

The role of Peter played by James singing “Denial” So enjoyed hearing him in a solo mode. Wonderful gentle pure voice denouncing Jesus, really making the lyrics work.  Well done.

On behalf of my Guest and I my Thanks to all of Keynsham Light Opera Group for such a good show.

Also thanks to Jazz for such a warm welcome and I wish you well in all your future productions.

 

Kind regards

Bob Allen. NODA SW district 14 Representative

N.B. The comments above are solely the view of the representative attending and only reflects the performance seen.

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