Jesus Christ Superstar, by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice,
tells one of the World’s most well-known and important stories. The show has
been wowing audiences all over the globe since the 1970s and this touring
production arrives in Woking at a topical time of year with Easter just days
away. Opening with Judas and his
concerns with the influential Jesus and culminating with his crucifixion, the
show tells rather than preaches. The writers knew this musical was a risk when
it was being developed but the audience on opening night here clearly
disagreed, rising to their feet.
The music is pacey, rocky and electric and helps bring the
story to life and keeps the show tight and concise. The ensemble are energetic
and fizzing with stage presence and it is the supporting cast who really shine
tonight. Cavin Cornwall was a booming and towering Caiaphas, Tom Gilling injected humour and campness to the show with
King Herod while Kristofer Harding
led the ensemble to the shows biggest, most memorable and funkiest number with Simon Zealotes.
Unfortunately the chemistry between Judas and Jesus was
non-existent and Tim Rogers as Judas struggled vocally from the off. This meant
the show didn’t really kick into gear until the Priests sang “This Jesus Must
Day”. Their performance was restrained, controlled and eerie and evoked a real
sense of panic and fear around the unknown and socially powerful Jesus.
Their performance helped Glenn Carter’s Jesus as we felt the
weight of expectation upon his shoulders. The character of Judas though, meant
the ensemble (and the audience) had to work harder to warm to Jesus and for us
to care about his plight. Glenn Carter was an assured and professional lead who
allowed his supporting cast the chance to take centre stage and shine.
Confident performances from both Jonathan Tweedie (Rhydian Roberts understudy) and Rachel
Adedeji (Mary). Tweedie gave a measured enactment of Pilate while Adedeji brought warmth
and real heart to the role, taking the audience on her journey.
At times the production didn’t seem to know what
era it was set. Largely this seemed rooted in biblical Jerusalem with flashes
of modernity such as the camera flashes and hand held microphones. This jarred
with the otherwise simplistic and cohesive staging and theming and detracted
from an otherwise solid production. This timeless story and enduring musical
shows no sign of slowing just yet.
Review by Andy Edmeads
Rating: ★★★
