Jesus Christ Superstar at the Royal & Derngate Theatre Review
Jesus Christ Superstar
Royal & Derngate, Northampton
16-21 March 2015
Reviewed by Natasha Kolb
I’ve got a fair few theatre trips under my belt and yet I think this is one of the best shows I have ever seen! On arriving at the Royal and Derngate theatre which was as always, clean, tidy, well staffed and maintained, I must say, we were a little bit disappointed to find out that three of the main characters had been replaced on this particular night by stand-ins, however with an open mind, we took our seats.
Jesus Christ Superstar is a show I’ve grown up knowing about and singing the famous theme tune to and yet couldn’t have told you the storyline other than knowing who the main character was! Apparently I wasn’t alone in this as a discussion with my work colleagues revealed the same lack of knowledge regarding the show. Jesus Christ Superstar, is a musical take on the last seven days of Jesus’ life, cleverly created and written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. You’d expect a show with those credentials to shine and this production directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright, certainly did not disappoint.
From the opening scene, I was quite simply gripped and when that theme tune was played with the full backing of the live orchestra, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I just knew that this was going to be unbelievable. The set, which stayed the same throughout the performance was simple yet breath-taking. The lighting was perfect and very effective in setting the mood and adding to the incredible strength of this show. The music was faultless and the cast were awesome, had we not have been informed about the cast changes or had a programme to view cast list, we would not have known any different. A special mention must be made to Jodie Steele who on this particular night, played the role of Mary Magdalene, who I thought was one of the strongest cast members tonight amongst a stage full of incredible performers.
I was in awe the whole way through, the music and the cast lived up to every expectation I had of this show. I wouldn’t hesitate on seeing this again and again and would urge you to get out and see this production of a classic. Ticket prices range from just £19 to £36 which is simply fantastic value for seeing a top quality production at a fraction of a West End ticket price and yet every bit as good!
Of course, I give this 5 out of 5 stars!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £19 to £36 (plus £2.80 transaction fee).
Jesus Christ Superstar is at the Royal & Derngate Theatre in Northampton until 21 March 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01604 624811.
Royal & Derngate, Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP | 01604 624811
