The National Theatre isn’t the only British Theatre Company which is increasing its online footprint to help keep us entertained in lockdown.
British Theatre Legend, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber will broadcast some of his favourite and most popular shows over the next few weeks. This week rather is the show which launched him and lyricist Sir Tim Rice – who went on to do Aladdin, The Lion King and Chess – into the spotlight, Jesus Christ Superstar.
Controversial when it was first released in 1979, Jesus Christ Superstar can be summarised as a dramatisation of the Easter story, from the events leading into Jesus’s arrival into Jerusalem, concluding with his crucifixion: the last seven days of Jesus’ time on Earth.
Originally devised as an album, much like Hamilton, there is no spoken words, only singing and rock music used to tell this ancient story. What makes this story unique is that it is told from the perspective of Judas, the member of the twelve disciples who betrays Jesus. Traditionally painted in the Bible as a villain, this musical takes a more human approach to his motive, showing how he may have possibly been a pawn in the game.
This particular version (directed by Laurence Connor), takes a contemporary approach with the story with Jesus and his disciples, being framed as a youthful riot – a possible allegory on the difference between religion and cults – against the prim and proper pharisees, made clear in the opening overture before any word is sung.
There is also thoughts on how something like this would be interpreted in the present day, for example “#Followthe12” is a common phrase seen in the show. It is interesting to see how some of the famous Bible symbols were released from barbed wire. Ranging from the crown of thorns Jesus is forced to wear, the use of two scaffolding towers to create the iconic cross and the Last Supper, which was a simple gathering with simple objects, much like it was like when this event happened.
The set designed by Mark Fisher is simply a giant flight of stairs blocked either side by scaffolding where the band perform alongside a giant screen, allowing audiences to follow the action on stage. This is also used to illustrate key points in the show from the changes in scenes to action on stage such as blood splashes onto the screen during the 39 lashes. Sometimes, holes also formed in the stairs to allow the actors to come out.
The best actor in the piece was Tim Minchin as Judas including some other stand outs such as Ben Forster as Jesus, former spice girl Mel C as Mary and Radio DJ Chris Moyles as Herod, all of whom nail (excuse the pun) their character’s solo songs: I Don’t Know How To Love Him, Gethsemane, I Only Want to Say and King Herod’s Song.
Unlike the National Theatre, I felt this show took more advantage of the fact that it’s a live event. It gave us camera angles, which as a normal audience member, for example during Jesus’s trial we see the perspective of the masses – represented by media journalists, shown clamoring for Jesus’ crucifixion, making him look like a prisoner. We even get a glimpse of his bloody back before the live audience do. The editing in the title track Superstar brings the show beyond a piece of theatre and into the realm of live rock and roll.
One big elephant in the room I must address is that controversially, the show didn’t include Jesus rising from the dead, which angered a lot of Christians when it first released. This asks if Jesus was just a man, a theme brought up across the show. Although I am a Christian and believe he existed, some people may not, which I feel this show respects.
Ultimately, this was a live performance I enjoyed watching. For those who don’t know, this is one of my personal favourite musicals and enjoyed experiencing it all over again. This is a show which challenges your views and takes a unique approach on the ancient story. I recommend watching as soon as you have finished reading this review, but chances are you may have seen it already.
Jesus Christ Superstar is available to view on “The Shows Must Go On” YouTube Channel from 7pm 10th April for 48 hours concluding 12th April.
By Stuart McComb
Feature image: Just Watch