REVIEW
✭✭✭✭☆ 4/5
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
CLIFFS PAVILION, SOUTHEND
9-13 JULY 2024
✭✭✭✭☆ 4/5
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
CLIFFS PAVILION, SOUTHEND
9-13 JULY 2024
The first time I saw this particular version of Jesus Christ Superstar was in 2016 at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. It was more than deserving of the Olivier Award that year for Best Musical Revival.
Jesus Christ Superstar was originally a concept album written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The idea of the album was based around the last week in the life of Jesus, seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, and was made as a rock recording because no one at the time (it was the early 1970s) was interested in staging it as a musical. Since then there have been numerous productions of the show seen by audiences across the world and most will remember the ITV talent show which had Ben Forster winning the role of Jesus and subsequently appearing alongside Tim Minchin as Judas, Mel C as Mary Magdalene and Chris Moyles as Herod.
The 2016 style of staging of Jesus Christ Superstar is very much in line with this latest touring production A giant rusty crucifix lies on the stage with equally rusting backdrop structures which serve to incorporate the musicians as they play throughout the production. The cast are dressed in nomadic style loose fitting costumes and the whole vibe is that of a group of young people putting on a rock concert gig to depict the last days of Christ and although, of course, the Son of God is the focus of the story, it is really seen from Judas’s perspective. And therein, this is where the 2016 production ends and the 2024 production begins.
This touring production has been given a slightly different dynamic from director, Timothy Sheader, with definite nods towards the show being a rock concert and making the music the real star of the show. Microphones are used by the cast to this effect and the use of handheld mics, wires and amps are all on display.
The problem with this production is that so much focus is put into the aesthetic and musicality of the show that the actual story is getting lost. This production boasts a brilliantly talented cast with vocals and harmonies so strong and powerful, you could just close your eyes and listen to the show and feel that you’d got your money’s worth for your ticket. However, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the equally stunning choreography which Drew McOnie has superbly created and is delivered with true commitment from this hard working cast. The Hosanna number particularly stood out as a great piece of choreography. MD, Tom Deering, has truly got the very best from every member of this production with some magnificent vocals in every musical number and the band sounded goosebumpingly good.
Ian McIntosh as Jesus has been perfectly cast and is truly emotive as the Son of God with some hugely expressive and impressive vocals. Likewise, Shem Omari James as Judas really knocks out some wildly dynamic vocals that will simply blow you away.
Hannah Richardson is a pure delight as Mary singing every one of her songs with such ease and beautifully delivered. It did seem odd that throughout the I Don’t Know How to Love Him number, she was centre stage and no-where near Jesus; a piece that usually reflects the frustrations of her love for him. Also at the beginning of the production when Judas asks Jesus why he lets Mary kiss his cheek and touch him, when Mary hadn’t actually done either of those things. Something to do with the new interpretation of the piece perhaps? There seems to be a lot of the storyline lost in this new translation. When Jesus is given 39 lashes before his crucifixion, instead of being whipped, glitter is thrown at him. A metaphor? This should be one of the most emotive pieces of the production but the lead up to his demise just didn't bring the gut wrenching sadness, hurt and despair that should have been punched into the audience at this point.
However, you cannot fault the stand out performances of all of the cast and a special mention has to go to local actor, Darius J James from Leigh on Sea, who put in an incredible performance throughout.
Unfortunately, Julian Clary was not performing at the Southend Cliffs Pavilion opening night which was disappointing for some who were looking forward to his brief appearance as Herod in the show. He will be performing on Thursday through to Saturday.
Overall, this touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar looks and sounds incredible and audiences who love the music won’t be disappointed, however, I do feel that it has been let down by this latest interpretation of the story which will perhaps have audiences a little confused.
Review: Kim Tobin
Jesus Christ Superstar was originally a concept album written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The idea of the album was based around the last week in the life of Jesus, seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, and was made as a rock recording because no one at the time (it was the early 1970s) was interested in staging it as a musical. Since then there have been numerous productions of the show seen by audiences across the world and most will remember the ITV talent show which had Ben Forster winning the role of Jesus and subsequently appearing alongside Tim Minchin as Judas, Mel C as Mary Magdalene and Chris Moyles as Herod.
The 2016 style of staging of Jesus Christ Superstar is very much in line with this latest touring production A giant rusty crucifix lies on the stage with equally rusting backdrop structures which serve to incorporate the musicians as they play throughout the production. The cast are dressed in nomadic style loose fitting costumes and the whole vibe is that of a group of young people putting on a rock concert gig to depict the last days of Christ and although, of course, the Son of God is the focus of the story, it is really seen from Judas’s perspective. And therein, this is where the 2016 production ends and the 2024 production begins.
This touring production has been given a slightly different dynamic from director, Timothy Sheader, with definite nods towards the show being a rock concert and making the music the real star of the show. Microphones are used by the cast to this effect and the use of handheld mics, wires and amps are all on display.
The problem with this production is that so much focus is put into the aesthetic and musicality of the show that the actual story is getting lost. This production boasts a brilliantly talented cast with vocals and harmonies so strong and powerful, you could just close your eyes and listen to the show and feel that you’d got your money’s worth for your ticket. However, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the equally stunning choreography which Drew McOnie has superbly created and is delivered with true commitment from this hard working cast. The Hosanna number particularly stood out as a great piece of choreography. MD, Tom Deering, has truly got the very best from every member of this production with some magnificent vocals in every musical number and the band sounded goosebumpingly good.
Ian McIntosh as Jesus has been perfectly cast and is truly emotive as the Son of God with some hugely expressive and impressive vocals. Likewise, Shem Omari James as Judas really knocks out some wildly dynamic vocals that will simply blow you away.
Hannah Richardson is a pure delight as Mary singing every one of her songs with such ease and beautifully delivered. It did seem odd that throughout the I Don’t Know How to Love Him number, she was centre stage and no-where near Jesus; a piece that usually reflects the frustrations of her love for him. Also at the beginning of the production when Judas asks Jesus why he lets Mary kiss his cheek and touch him, when Mary hadn’t actually done either of those things. Something to do with the new interpretation of the piece perhaps? There seems to be a lot of the storyline lost in this new translation. When Jesus is given 39 lashes before his crucifixion, instead of being whipped, glitter is thrown at him. A metaphor? This should be one of the most emotive pieces of the production but the lead up to his demise just didn't bring the gut wrenching sadness, hurt and despair that should have been punched into the audience at this point.
However, you cannot fault the stand out performances of all of the cast and a special mention has to go to local actor, Darius J James from Leigh on Sea, who put in an incredible performance throughout.
Unfortunately, Julian Clary was not performing at the Southend Cliffs Pavilion opening night which was disappointing for some who were looking forward to his brief appearance as Herod in the show. He will be performing on Thursday through to Saturday.
Overall, this touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar looks and sounds incredible and audiences who love the music won’t be disappointed, however, I do feel that it has been let down by this latest interpretation of the story which will perhaps have audiences a little confused.
Review: Kim Tobin
TICKET INFORMATION
£20 - £56
A transaction fee of up to £3.95 may apply to your order.
Wed 10 - Sat 13 Jul 2024
8pm, 2.30pm
https://trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend/en-GB/event/musical/jesus-christ-superstar-tickets#ticket-info
£20 - £56
A transaction fee of up to £3.95 may apply to your order.
Wed 10 - Sat 13 Jul 2024
8pm, 2.30pm
https://trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend/en-GB/event/musical/jesus-christ-superstar-tickets#ticket-info