Jesus Christ Superstar
The Hawth Crawley
until 23rd March 2024
If you were asked to name some of Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals, chances are Jesus Christ Superstar would be somewhere in your top five. With lyrics written by Tim Rice the rock opera contains some of their most iconic songs, ‘I don’t know how to love him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and of course the title song. Despite this, it is a while since a professional show of this caliber has toured the UK.
Timothy Sheader‘s fast moving, high energy production was produced for the Regents Park Open Air Theatre before the pandemic, its original run was extended and is now touring the UK until August with plenty of dates in the South East. We were lucky enough to see it at The Hawth Theatre in Crawley last night, the timing being perfect on the run up to Easter.
Set during Holy Week, Jesus Christ Superstar covers the last few days of Christ’s life. Depicted as a modern day rock star we follow Jesus’ journey from celebrated entry into Jerusalem to crucifixion. The story is told from Judas’ viewpoint who is conflicted in his feelings, he struggles to understand all the choices that Jesus has to make and the path that he must take before he acknowledges that he also has a tragic role to play in the story.
The whole production was dark, foreboding and utterly compelling. What impressed me most about the Timothy Sheader’s direction was the way the essence of the show hadn’t changed. The stage was minimalist, the music central and the emotion raw, yet, the production was fresh, modern and exhilarating. Symbolism was expertly woven in, props were used to great effect (mic stands and cables) and I adored the clever portrayal of the last supper. The ensemble, choreographed by Drew McOnie moved fervently as one, depicting a frenzied crowd lustful with adoration then consumed with loathing.
The vocals from the entire cast were superb although occasionally diction could have been a little clearer, performers choosing power rather than clarity. But overall it didn’t matter, the brutality and emotion was executed perfectly and it is a production I shall remember for a long time.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jesus: Luke Street
Judas: Shem Omari James
Mary: Hannah Richardson
Annas: Matt Bateman
Caiaphas: Jad Habchi
Pilate: Ryan O’Donnell
Herod: Timo Tatzber
Simon: Jordan Michael Todd
Peter: Joshua Hawkins
Mob leader: Eloise Davies
Jesus Christ Superstar is touring the UK and Ireland until 17th August 2024. Catch it in the South East at The Hawth Crawley until the 23rd March,
Eastbourne: 15th-20th April
New Wimbledon Theatre: 13th-18th May
New Victoria Theatre, Woking: 3rd-8th June
Marlowe Theatre Canterbury: 17th-22nd June
Reviewed by Sammi O’Neill