JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Tony Jay ROS Chairman openly admits to being ‘mildly obsessed’ with this Andrew Lloyd Webber /Tim Rice classic and was relishing the prospect of directing the show. Inevitably the pre-show hype and publicity created eager expectation. At any level such expectation was exceeded 10 fold and a capacity audience had the opportunity to experience a spectacular of the highest quality

The story of course is a familiar one across the world and to be entertaining has to contain something special. This was achieved with innovation, inspiration and co-ordination which deserve great admiration. As does the highly effective musical delivery of an exciting and challenging score, from an accomplished orchestra and talented on stage performers.

Dialogue as the lyricist intended is almost non-existent and the greatest story ever told is performed in music, movement and stage craft. Stagecraft from 71 performers, for whom it is not possible to give an individual mention. Each one though with their contribution helped make this a glorious spectacle.

In the role of ‘Jesus’, David Steele was outstanding. His portrayal of the central character was vocally powerful and true with a delivery of great emotion and spine chilling presence throughout, especially with his magnificent performance in the spellbinding ‘Gethsemane’.

As ‘Judas’ Laurence Sutton, strong and convincing delivered vocal excellence with the right level of sensitivity, none more so that in his betraying role in the Last Supper in Act 2, which as a scene was one of many stage setting masterpieces. Another being the appearance of a group of lepers dressed in tattered shrouds with ‘Jesus’ in glowing white completely visible in their midst.

Mark Williams in the role of ‘Simon’, gave a super vocal performance as did Paul Mitchel as ‘Peter’. In their roles as ‘Priests’ Ryan Allen, Tony Lacey and Sam Smith were also excellent.

The richly toned voice of Matt Turner as ‘Caiaphas’ had a depth and range to his voice that resounded around the auditorium. He was ably supported by John Reeves as ‘Annas’. Tim Eagleton gave an accomplished performance as ‘Pontius Pilate and Tony Jay in the role of ‘Herod’ brought a special touch of comedic camp brilliance.

Inevitably this for the most part was a male character line up. In the role of ‘Mary’ however Lisa Lilwall gave an amazing performance in character and vocally with outstanding sensitivity every time she was on stage, conveying real emotion in ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’ and leading the cast in ‘Everything’s Alright’

Throughout the whole production the supportive ensemble of Roman Soldiers, Angels and Herod’s  Bestials along with the whole company stayed in character, all creating the right atmosphere with their own important contribution to this spectacle. This included captivating the audience with the mesmerising ‘What’s the Buzz’, just one the many memorable musical numbers. Costumes had the right amount of dowdiness, majesty, colour and quality to match every mood and emotion.

On stage a magnificent set and range of props provided the perfect setting culminating in the crucifixion scene with an enormous cross brought into position creating a poignancy and time of emotive brilliance from David Steel.

This was Amateur Theatre at its brilliant best, reflecting the huge commitment, time and enormous wealth of talent that left the audience feeling they had just experienced a wonderful evening in West End Theatre land.

Ian G Cox

Regional Representative - Worcestershire East (District 12)

NODA - Professional support for amateur theatre

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