Performed in the lead up to Easter, the East Cheshire Musical Theatre Company’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar provides a perfect opportunity to revisit Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic musical. Based on Matthew’s gospel, this version of the Passion is told from Judas’s perspective. Disappointed by Jesus’ lack of political ambition and relationships with down-and-outs including lepers and prostitutes, Judas conspires with the Chief Priests to bring about his downfall.
Amazingly this stunning musical is almost fifty years old and in this impressive production by ECMTC shows no signs of ageing. Director Andrew Lee’s intelligent and mature interpretation is more reflective than other productions I have seen and for the most part Lloyd Webber’s music and Tim Rice’s lyrics benefit greatly from this approach. Performed on a set dominated by stage blocks and scaffolding, this is very much a Passion for the modern age. The high priests wear dark suits, the disciplines take photos on their mobiles and at his trail Jesus is mocked and rebuked, wearing a Guantanamo Bay style prison uniform.
Jesus Christ Superstar is without doubt one of the best Rock Opera’s ever written, sung through with no dialogue; this is a show that relies heavily on performers who can deliver with strong vocals and powerful performances. In the key roles of Judas, Jesus and Mary, Lee has assembled a trio of top rate performers who give stunning performances that would proudly grace any professional stage. As Judas, Alex Bingle is outstanding; every word and note is imbued with meaning and significance. He successfully conveys a wide range of complex emotions and it is easy to see why his Judas becomes dissatisfied with Sam Bate’s, world weary, Jesus. To begin with Bate is more subdued in the part than I would have expected but suits the overall contemplative tone of the production. Bate gradually builds in the role and by the time he delivers Gethsemane, he has moved through several vocal and dramatic gears to give a mesmerising and compelling performance. Holly McEleny as Mary Magdalene is excellent, when she sees Jesus humiliated and tortured we feel her pain. Her singing of the classic love ballad, 'I Don’t Know How To Love Him', is faultless. These talented performers are to be congratulated for giving performances of the highest order.
The modern day setting points out Pilate’s helplessness and growing sense of unease. In this role, Thom Copestake is profoundly moving; we feel both his anguish and despair as he is bullied by the High Priests and the baying crowd to sentence Jesus to death. Much needed comic relief is provided by John Hilliard as a tap dancing King Herod, accompanied by a group of sublime backing dancers.
Providing solid support, the hard-working ensemble of apostles, priests, police, lepers and soul sisters help propel the story to its inevitable conclusion. Sally Hilliard’s well executed choreography underlines the drama and heavy emotional mood, perfectly complementing Lee’s sensitive direction. Directed by MD, Ed Nurse, the show band is terrific, moving effortlessly from muscular heavy rock to exquisite orchestral playing. The high quality of the sound balance is also worthy of special mention and adds greatly to the enjoyment of Lloyd Webber’s brilliant score. In summary this is a great production by ECMTC, the impact of which is heightened significantly by seeing it performed so close to Easter.
Reviewer - Richard Hall
on - 12/4/19
Thank you for a very positive review Richard, thrilled that you enjoyed the production! Andrew
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