REVIEW | Jesus Christ Superstar UK Tour

18 Oct

Written by Kathryn

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review

Originally conceived as a concept album, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar is touring the UK with a new modern and revamped production by director Timothy Sheader.

Set in Jerusalem in the last days of Jesus’ life, we follow the titular character through those final moments from love, to betrayal and eventually crucifixion.

The stage is set up like a rock concert. After all, that’s how Jesus is being portrayed. He’s a rockstar. A superstar. A giant metal crucifix fills the floor, setting up a stage within a stage, and the set is made up of metal scaffolding and equipment boxes. Mic stands are frequently used (very creatively) by both principles and ensemble throughout the show and the band are on stage, in amongst the scaffolding but still able to be seen. The staging stays much the same as the story progresses, with nothing used to distinguish different locations. I think this may be confusing for anyone not already familiar with the story.

Ian McIntosh is phenomenal as Jesus, his stage presence is extraordinary and I simply couldn’t take my eyes off him. We see him as a man, not a God, just simply one of us. His performance of Gethsemane is one of the most stunning moments I’ve experienced in a theatre and got the longest round of applause I’ve ever heard mid-show in a touring production. His superstar status is only elevated by the clever use of glitter in the production. Mary Magdalene (Hannah Richardson) anoints Jesus with glitter in place of Myrrh ointment and glitter is thrown over Jesus as each one of the 39 lashes makes its mark.

A special mention from me has to go to Jeb Habchi as Caiaphas and Matt Bateman as Annas. They were fantastic in their roles as the Pharisees who demanded Jesus’ execution and I found myself sitting up with eager anticipation every time they came on stage. Ryan O’Donnell as Pilate was equally extraordinary, commanding the stage even when saying very little, and ultimately delivering a mesmerising performance of Trial by Pilate.

Julian Clary appears as King Herod at a number of touring locations and certainly delivers the light relief the show needs during a rather heavy Act 2. It’s a small role but he was perfect for it, full of flair and bringing the audience to a rousing round of applause.

I am very familiar with the music in Jesus Christ Superstar, although I only remember seeing it on stage once sometime during the late 90’s. I appreciate theatre on a whole new scale now and got so much enjoyment in this production from watching the ensemble. I loved how their choreography often used a ripple effect, with more and more performers joining in with the same movements, highlighting how Jesus’ following was increasing as more and more people joined his cause. However, I did struggle slightly with the diction of the ensemble when they were singing as a group and the only reason this didn’t have much of an effect on me was because I know the words so well. I think if you were unfamiliar with the songs you would struggle.

Similarly, I also found Judas (portrayed excellently by Shem Omari James) hard to understand in parts, although you can still follow the story through him as his emotion and characterisation as Judas was superb. After his betrayal, his arms are stained with the colour of the silver pieces he sold Jesus’ location for, showing how he can never escape from the guilt he feels.

There really isn’t a moment to breathe in this production and it leaves a lasting impact. Jesus’ crucifixion is haunting and moving - you could have heard a pin drop in the theatre as he spoke his last words.

If Jesus Christ Superstar is a show you’ve yet to experience live, I would recommend you get yourself some tickets. This production takes the timeless classic and adapts it for a new generation of theatregoers. The energy of the cast and the powerful music keep audiences captivated right to the end.

Jesus Christ Superstar is at Glasgow’s Kings Theatre until 21 October before continuing on a UK tour until August 2024. Full dates and venues are available here