Jesus Christ Superstar

Jesus Christ Superstar is a sung-through rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. Loosely based on the Gospels, it focuses on the personal conflicts between Jesus, his disciples, the people of Israel, and the leadership of Rome. Much of the plot is centred on Judas, who is dissatisfied with how Jesus steers his disciples and with his struggle in making the decision to betray him.

There was an open stage with the Orchestra seated at the back of what was a very elaborate scaffolding structure with stairs leading to a landing and further stairs to an upper landing and four sets of double lights were attached at various intervals. The back wall housed a very effective graffitied curtain.

We first meet Judas who is pleading with Jesus to listen to him as he sings ‘Heaven On Their Minds’. Judas was brilliantly played by Stephen Mura. He displayed the complexities of the character from anger, frustration, remorse and a man tormented by guilt so utterly convincingly, it was a truly magnificent portrayal. His powerful singing voice was just terrific. What an outstanding performance came from Jake Eyles as Jesus Christ. He was the antithesis of Judas in that he portrayed humility, quiet strength and confidence with such magnetic and emotional appeal. His acting skills were incredible none more so than when he was so angry at the scene in the market place, when he was being beaten by soldiers and later when being flogged. His singing throughout was phenomenal especially the reaching of those exceptionally high notes and his rendition of ‘Gethsemane’ was so movingly delivered. Both portrayals by Stephen and Jake were just exceptional. A complete contrast to those very dramatic, emotional and evocative portrayals was that delivered by Stacey Hyndman as Mary Magdalene. She so delightfully and effectively depicted the calm, comforting and gentle devotion to Jesus whilst exploring her confusion and love for him as she so superbly and heart-rendingly sang ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’. What a wonderful portrayal came from Joe Woffinden as Pontius Pilate. Joe most definitely commanded the stage as befits his status and although the character is plagued by dreams, as evident in Joe’s splendid singing of ‘Pilate’s Dream’, his belief that Jesus was harmless and misjudged and his empathy and frustration with his refusal to defend himself was so impressively interpreted but, he still bowed to the mob to have him crucified. The role of Caiaphas demands that the person playing the role must have a deep bass voice and Devin Ibañez certainly fulfilled that requirement as well as that of stridently seeking the downfall of Jesus to protect political stability and along with Annas, perfectly played by Neville Leedham, their singing of ‘This Jesus Must Die’ was superb. Peter was ideally played by Fin Eden and his singing, particularly of ‘Peter’s Denial’, coming from one so young was just amazing as was that of Jen Lewis, another fine portrayal as Simon Zealotes. Bursting on to the stage and offering  some light relief for what was to come, was King Herod, who was exquisitely played by Fergus Wade. He was so enthusiastically and flamboyantly camp as he fabulously danced and sang ‘King Herod’s Song’, accompanied by some very sexily dressed dancers, as he demands that Jesus performs miracles but, ignored by him, he angrily sends him back to Pilate. Excellent support came from the rest of the Apostles namely Dale Hind, Sarah Stone, Gavin Brookes, Elizabeth Brookes, Dominic Osin, Isobel Froston, Remi Hines Sam Varney and Ben Thompson also from the Priests, Vincent Loughran, Gary Peake and Matthew Shaw. Superb dancing in the imaginative dance routines came for Abi Ashforth, Olivia Bell, Ellie Brown, Jessica Fernie, Megan Gibson, Steph Hayes, Lucy Sharratt and Katy Varney and of course playing a most important role were the members of the Ensemble, Ellie Bonsall, Lorna Bramall, Freddie Levesley, Nicola Slack, Richard Stonier and Alison Walker.

There were so many amazing scenes with top notch singing, dancing and acting. Some I’ve already mentioned but particularly standing out was the ‘Trial By Pilate/ 39 Lashes’ scene which was so moving and yet so painful to watch, the lashes being given by the dancers leaving blood stained weals on his body. ‘The Last Supper’, loved how the Table was represented, and ‘The Crucifiction’ where a wooden cross was erected and Jesus was fastened to it with chains and where he heart-breakingly spoke his last words asking ‘God to forgive them’. When he was taken down from the cross he was laid on the floor over a white lit depiction of a cross and candles were placed around it. He eventually was lifted and carried off the stage. This ending of the show is almost an anti-climax as most of the audience don’t realise that it is indeed ‘the end of the show’ and somewhat feel cheated as there is no final curtain call where they would be able to show their admiration and acclaim to the whole cast - but it is what it is!

The more modern and ‘Edgy’ costumes, Elizabeth Brookes and her Team, were a triumph and either specially made or provided by cast members. The Set Design by Heath Parkin, the stunning Lighting Design by Jamie Vella and excellent sound and Props were most definitely the icing on the cake as were the members of the hardworking, superb Orchestra. 

This show was a very brave choice because it totally relies on finding singers who can deliver the most difficult and challenging requirements that the show demands not only from the Principals but also from cast members. Well, I can wholeheartedly say that those demands were most certainly met and this production was without doubt most professionally and stunningly achieved to the highest standard. My congratulations to Director & Choreographer Cat Howourth, to Musical Director Dave Adey, to the absolutely awesome Main Principals, to all of the cast members, to the Stage Manager, Richard Poole and his Team, to all the Back Stage and to Helen Beastall and the Front of House Staff and indeed to everyone else involved. I must also offer my sincere thanks for the warm welcome that I always receive but also for an unexpected invitation to go to the foyer at the interval where I was shown into a back room and where to greet me was Sharon Stone, Chair of BMT, Jen Lewis, Jesus, Jake Eyles, and Mary, Stacey Hyndman, and where I was presented with a most gorgeous bouquet. What can I say other than to offer my most sincere and heartfelt thanks for this wonderful surprise.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.