Jesus Christ Superstar

By Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber

Performed: April 2019

Review by The Burton Mail's Ben Waldron.

It's got attitude, it's emotional and it's a Superstar of a show

Not one to be missed.

A night of emotion, dramatics and amazement is guaranteed as a production of Jesus Christ Superstar comes to Burton.

The opening night performance of the well-loved Broadway and West End hit went off without a hitch on Tuesday, April 23 ahead of a week of performances at the Brewhouse Arts Centre, in Union Street.

Originally written as a rock opera concept album, its upbeat songs and lively dance numbers recount the final seven days of Jesus Christ and those around him.

Performed by LTC Youth, the enigmatic and encapsulating performances from Joel Foster as Jesus of Nazareth and Oliver Last as Judas Iscariot were outstanding. The show couldn't have wished for better leading men.

Directed by John Bowness, the musical features zero dialogue, instead telling the tale of Jesus' final days and Judas' inner struggles through song and dance.

The story focuses on the personal battles of Jesus with his disciples, the wider people of Israel and the leadership within Rome scared of his power.

Much of the plot centres on Judas who is dissatisfied with Jesus' leadership and the way he is steering the disciples surrounding him.

Easily one of the highlights of the performance, which is certain to live long in the memory of those who see the show, is the plethora of catchy musical numbers including "What's the Buzz?", "Everything's Alright", "Hosanna" and "Could We Start Again Please?"

Among this amazing score, perhaps the best-known number is "I Don't Know How To Love Him" sung by Mary Magdalene which has won numerous awards.

However, the song "Gesthemane", sung by Jesus, is a powerhouse masterpiece, along with the number "Superstar", performed by Judas.

Both Joel and Oliver have amazing voices and tremendous stage presence.

The clever set design features a symbolic cross on the floor, which was moved and transferred into the initial "J" for Jesus.

Scaffolding at the back of the stage features a number of pillars with graffiti from those loyal to Jesus with messages such as "would you die for me?" and "king of the Jews".

Mary Magdalene, played by Emmie Doyle, was excellent, while accompanying roles of Peter, Simon, Pontius Pilate, Caiaphas, Annas and King Herod played by Zak Davenport, Leo Harvey, Ben Winson, Jim Haywood, Scarlett Marchant and Ben Hodgkinson respectively.

It's a show with attitude and emotion and one not to be missed.