Jesus Christ Superstar, the Olivier Award-winning musical, is at Milton Keynes Theatre this week.
The iconic 'rock opera' by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber was reimagined for its 45th anniversary with an open air performance at Regents Park, and this touring production recreates this show with a striking, multi-levelled industrial style set, a live band on stage and performers playing live instruments it has the feel of a rock concert.
The music has stood the test of time, with a mix of pounding rock anthems, power ballads and glam rock telling the story of the last few weeks of Jesus's first incarnation, seen from the perspective of Judas. There's striking, expressive dancing throughout with full-on high energy movement underpinning the action.
This show doesn't pull any punches and the inevitable final scenes depict the full brutality of his fate, with epic and breathtaking performances from an incredibly talented cast.
Ian McIntosh is perfectly cast as Jesus with a great sincerity and charisma in the first half and a harrowingly believable performance at the end of the show, Shem Omari James as Judas gives a powerful vocal performance and newcomer Hannah Richardson is brilliant as Mary.
Ryan O’Donnell is dazzling as Pontius Pilate with a show stealing performance of Trial By Pilate, and there are also strong performances from Jad Habchi (Caiaphas) and Matt Bateman (Annas).
This show is a triumphant blend of nostalgia, innovation, and remarkable talent, reaffirming its enduring popularity with audiences with a story which seems ever more relevant in today's turbulent global landscape.
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