Jesus Christ Superstar

Milton Keynes Theatre 13th July - 18th July 2015

Bill Kenwright presents Jesus Christ Superstar, the original rock musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The musical wowed the crowds at Milton Keynes Theatre, as it has for decades.

Depicting the final days of Jesus, this classic may seem to a few to have dated however, this latest revival shows that it has lost none of its power and the musical numbers are as fresh as they were in the 70’s.

The amazing talented Glenn Carter plays the tortured Jesus, his performance and vocal range left the audience open mouthed – he was quite brilliant.  The emotion that Carter put into his performance was second to none.

Rachel Adedeji (of X Factor fame) played a lovely soft and adoring Mary Magdelene. Adedeji possesses a wonderful tone to her voice, you could tell that she could have belted out each note, her vocal control during “I don’t know how to love him” was packed with feeling…it was perfect. 

Fellow X Factor contestant Rydian Roberts gave a good performance as Pontius Pilate, sympathetically portraying the man who’s meeting with Jesus helped him understand the truth.

Understudy Tim Oxbrow as Judas gave a powerful performance – Oxbrow has a great rock voice and was a convincing troubled Judas.

With clever usage of a singular set throughout, with just the addition of props such as flaming bowls of fire, a white cloth upon the floor for the last supper and then a back drop of glitz for the camp palace of King Herod – it was inspired.

The utterly camp as Christmas portrayal of King Herod (Tom Gilling) was a well-received comic relief within such solemn proceedings.  Never before have I seen King Herod donning tassels attached strategically to his chest!??

An enormous wooden halo is suspended over the stage throughout the entire performance is used effectively to depict the location and the sentiment of the scenes with Jesus.

The production ends with the heart stopping crucifixion – the resonating sound of the metal against metal as Jesus is nailed to the cross coupled with the behind the scene female vocals floated out as Jesus is slowly killed on the cross.

The silence as his head fell was almost audible, with many of my fellow theatre goers wiping tears from their eyes – it was incredibly moving.

It was a realistic representation of the greatest story ever told.  Jesus Christ Superstar is a classic and still is remarkable musical theatre.

Lily B x