Stream: Jesus Christ Superstar
As the second offering from Andrew Lloyd Weber as part of his lockdown series – The Shows Must Go On – I cannot think of a more appropriate show than his rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar to be beamed into our houses on Good Friday, the most holy day of the year.
I must confess it is a show I have avoided in the past thinking it might be a bit loud and dramatic for my taste. How wrong I was! This revamped Arena version, performed in Birmingham in 2012, celebrating its 40th Anniversary was mind blowing. Why didn’t I take it onboard earlier?
With two protagonists Jesus Christ played by Ben Forster and his betrayer Judas played by Tim Minchin, the show is set against an enormous staircase with a spectacular movable lighting array. This world is peopled with a rag bag of hippies and protesters emulating Jesus’ last journey into Jerusalem and his arrest by the Pharisees, his betrayal by Judas and his ultimate crucifixion.
With nice turns by Chris Moyles as Herod and Alexander Hanson as Pontius Pilate, the surprisingly tender performance by Melanie C as Mary Magdalene was particularly moving. However, the central performances by Ben Forster and Tim Minchin dominated the show. The score terrifically played by the ten-piece rock orchestra presented a huge challenge to the vocals of both performers and boy! did they rise to it!?
Ben Forster gave a nuanced and powerful interpretation, as Jesus struggles with his approaching destiny using his beautiful and lyrical voice, saving the best to last. And what a revelation was the vocal ability of Tim Minchin who really stole the show. Knowing him from his success with his score and lyrics for the RSC’s version of Matilda and his witty one man shows, I was unaware of the powerful voice and acting skill he possesses. A truly bravura performance! This double act shared the bows and cheers from the packed arena, along with the 40 strong cast. I wish I had been there.
Next up in the series, Love Never Dies. Thank you, Lord Webber, for cheering up our weekends. Perfect timing!
Subscribe to the Shows Must Go On series of free streams here.
