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An exciting reimagined take with impressive energy and powerful vocalists

It comes as a great privilege to be able to say this, but Jesus Christ Superstar is a show I half expected to not enjoy. I say this with the greatest gratitude I can express, knowing full well that I am both privileged and grateful to be afforded so many shows to attend, and with that means that sometimes there will be shows that I am less excited for.

Well, normalise being wrong because Jesus Christ Superstar was an astounding production.

It comes as a massive thrill to go in with low expectations or in this case, expecting to ‘not be me’ but then be blown away. Live theatre. You can’t beat it.

Jesus Christ Superstar doesn’t ask for you to be religious to divulge into the final days of Jesus’ life through the lens of Judas, instead it offers a powerful varied soundtrack with the most phenomenal vocals and energy.

With a dark stage adorned with two metal platforms complete with the live band, the show opens with a burst of energy and rowdiness down the aisle. This energy, I would soon learn continues ablaze throughout the production. The set design stays consistent throughout which welcomes you to fully get lost in the production.

In place of the iconic long hair and robe is a short-haired, casually dressed Jesus (Ian McIntosh). He delivers a performance that is both memorable and powerful. He brought emotion, and offered a strong presence on stage as a layered and complex character rather than a martyr.

But, it’s McIntosh’s vocals that really grabbed my attention. Offering a smooth delivery for The Last Supper complemented beautifully by the ensemble, or the most incredible performance of Gethsemane. His performance might just become the blueprint for all future Jesus’. McIntosh’s vocals are outstanding, starting as a man and a guitar before crescendoing into the highest notes effortlessly. The roar of the applause was nothing less than deserved. Yet, simultaneously it’s evident that McIntosh gives everything in every single scene. McIntosh is a true class act.

Taking on the role of Judas is Shem Omari James who delivered a powerful performance of Superstar and offered a great on-stage complicated intertwining with Jesus. There is a really clever use of silver paint to represent blood on one’s hands in exchange for wealth, demonstrating perfectly the guilt he carries, and the death scene delivery is powerful.

I was OBSESSED with the Herod scene which was truly iconic during a heavy act 2. Timo Tatzber provided an electric performance on what could be described as a light bit of relief from a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Whether it’s mood lighting, powerful yet harrowing lyrics or spectacular dance, it’s an absolute journey of a show.

The choreography from the ensemble is often in a vibrating canon, and the constant energy and dynamic dancing is astounding. There is an undeniably spectacular sense of energy throughout the entire show. The show moves at an electric pace filling each passing moment with an iconic songbook of rock belters.

The U.K. revival hits all the right notes in offering a fresh outlook on Jesus Christ Superstar whilst still staying true to its original roots.

On until 17th February 2024