Jesus Christ Superstar At Nottingham Theatre Royal & Concert Hall Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Louise Edwards

Jesus Christ Superstar, the Rock Opera, directed by Tim Shieder, this week is performing at Nottingham Concert Hall as part of a national tour.  It is now over 50 years since Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice first wrote this award winning musical and this revival won an Olivier award in 2017.

The multileveled industrial stage is set with a large fallen cross in the centre, and, as you arrive, the band is setting up in the background.  It is dark and dramatic with the foreboding atmosphere of what is to come..

As the opening chords are struck, you feel like you are almost at a rock concert back in the 70s.  The band is really visible, but musical director Michael Riley leads a talented team of guitar, bass, horn, trumpet, woodwind and drums to produce music that is timeless.

There is very little dialogue which is all led by musical numbers.  There are 24 songs altogether in this musical, telling the story of the last week or so of Jesus’ life leading to his crucifixion.  It is a story we all know well, with a modern day twist.

Jesus Christ, played by Ian McIntosh and his followers, wear hoodies and combats.  The story is told through the eyes of Judas, played by Shem Omari James, later to betray Jesus.  He feels Jesus’ followers are getting out of hand and threatening the Roman Empire.  As the first half draws to the end we see him join forces with Pilate (played tonight by Charlie McCullagh) and Caiaphas played by Francis Foreman as he tells them where to find Jesus so they can arrest him.  Judas’s hands and arms are stained silver as he takes the blood money.

I found the first act hard to follow as I couldn’t really hear the words, particularly Judas, was singing and just picked up a few.  This did affect the enjoyment although the whole performance was a spectacle in itself with the ensemble putting on a fantastic choreography led by Drew McOnie, who was nominated for best theatre choreography in 2017 for this production.

Mary Magdalene played by Hannah Richardson) has a great voice, and her vocals come through clearly.  She tries to comfort Jesus through this tormented time.  Judas thinks it is bad for Jesus to associate with her, as she is a prostitute, but Jesus tells Judas he is not in a position to condemn others.

The second half was easier to follow starting with the last supper.  Jesus is frustrated with his disciples as they use the opportunity to party.  Macintosh’s voice is strong and powerful as he performs Gethsemane.  There is much more action and drama as we see Jesus face the lashings and ridicule before being hung on the cross.  Herod, played by Timo Tatzber, for me was the stand-out performance of the show.

The show is undoubtedly impressive.  I did feel that the music has dated a little now.  However overall the spectacle does still wow audiences and will no doubt continue to do so for many more years to come.

Rating: 3/5

Tickets cost from £24.50 (booking fees may apply).

Jesus Christ Superstar is at the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham until Saturday 13 January 2024, for more information or to book tickets visit https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/jesus-christ-superstar/
or call the box office on 0115 989 5555.