Jesus Christ Superstar at the Palace Theatre Manchester Review

Jesus Christ Superstar
Palace Theatre, Manchester

13-18 April 2015

www.atgtickets.com/palacetheatre

Reviewed by Debbie Tasker

Aside from pantomimes, Jesus Christ Superstar was my first introduction to live theatre in 1973 at the age of 6, from that moment on I have been hooked especially on musical theatre. I asked for the album at Christmas that year and would sing and sing and sing… over and over again (I still have my original copy) so I was mega excited to be invited to review the show at Manchester’s Palace Theatre last night.

We arrived in plenty of time and picked up our tickets. The auditorium doors were still closed so we headed for the bar. Staff in there were friendly and helpful prices were a little steep but only to be expected in this type of venue. When the doors opened we took our seats and had a clear view of the stage.

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice composed the timeless rock opera in 1970 and it is still popular throughout the world. The production produced by Bill Kenwright sticks to the original concept of the story and in my opinion does an excellent job with an outstanding cast.

The story follows the last seven days of Jesus’ life in the Holy City where it becomes obvious he has been betrayed by one of his disciples  Judas, which results in him being nailed to the cross and left to die.

Glenn Carter is a spine-tingling Jesus Christ, he plays the part with class and conviction and has an amazing singing voice which reaches the very high notes with ease. There are two X-Factor finalists in the show, Rhydian Roberts as Pontius Pilate (unfortunately he wasn’t taking part last night which is a shame as I think he has beautiful tones) and Rachel Adedeji is as Mary Magdalene (I thought she did exceptionally well as the woman in love with Jesus trying to soothe and relax him whenever possible with her haunting vocals). Tim Rodgers as Judas Iscariots was also superb and I did find myself feeling a bit sorry for him at one point. You can feel that it is a team effort and the ensemble cast gel together well.

Some of the songs are pretty well known ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’, ‘ What’s the Buzz?’, ‘Hosanna’, ‘Everything is Alright’ and of course ‘Superstar’.

A pinch of humour was provided by Tom Gilling with his over the top ‘King Herod’s Song’. I loved each and every one of them and had to stop myself joining in and singing out loud!! (I really do not have a good voice for it!).

I only have one little niggle and that is I don’t feel it finished as spectacularly as it could of. Jesus rises yes, but I would have liked a little bit more and maybe a closing number?

We had a highly enjoyable evening and left with smiles on our faces ready to tell our Mums (I went with my cousin) to book tickets.

Rating: 5/5 

Tickets cost from £17.90 to £48.90 (plus £4 transaction fee).

Jesus Christ Superstar is at the Palace Theatre in Manchester until 18 April 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 3019.

Palace Theatre, 97 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 6FT | 0844 871 3019