Jesus Christ Superstar is a show that I have been a super fan of for years. Having seen many iterations and fallen in love with its dramatic, rock-inspired score, I was excited to see a fresh take from local amateur dramatics group BMTC this October and boy did they live up to my expectations. Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, the show relays the events leading up to Good Friday solely through song, culminating in the heart-wrenching events of Jesus’ crucifixion. Whilst this version packed an emotional punch, it also allowed the audience to have an enjoyable time and even brought a comic edge to its lighter moments with taste and talent.
What struck me instantly when I entered the auditorium was the impressive nature of the show’s set brought to us by Dervel Lester and team. Amateur productions do a fantastic job of creating new worlds with a low budget, but this production truly transformed the school hall it was performed in through some fantastic graffiti-style art work and a striking cross making up the shape of the stage. This isn’t a show that requires several set changes, leaving the audience immersed in the events. The show then opens with a striking entrance by the ensemble and key characters, really playing to the breath-taking score Lloyd Webber created. Throughout the show, I found Dani Harris’ choreography worked to emphasise key moments and it was executed brilliantly by the entire cast.
What truly made this show the triumph that is was though were the stellar performances from the cast. Leading the show were Bradley Hambleton as Jesus and Ollie Last as Judas. One would be forgiven for assuming this pair were professionals of the business; their vocals were second-to-none and the control they displayed over them whilst also serving incredible depth of emotion to the events unfolding through facial expression, choreography and vocal choices were breathtaking. Both had their own stand out moment of the show; Ollie in Damned For All Time showing Judas’ inner conflict and self-hatred which paralleled beautifully with Jesus’ soul- searching moment in Gethsemane- Bradley’s vocals here proving why he was the ‘superstar’ the title promises us.
The supporting cast of the show also brought stand-out moments and truly there was not a weak link in this performance. As Mary, Vix Quigley brought a sweet side and her I Don’t Know How to Love Him was just lovely. As Caiaphas and Annas, Kieran Barrett and Matt Waite were a wonderful complement to one another whilst also being equally sinister and vocally strong. I was particularly captivated by Edward Moore’s Pilate; a role that doesn’t always have such an impact in other productions. Ed’s Trial Before Pilate was a masterclass in acting through song! And we simply have to take a moment for Jonny Stewart’s Herod’s Song- an utter joy to watch and a perfect blend of camp humour and darker moments which can be difficult to strike a balance between.
I have to say that JCS as a show is quite ensemble-heavy with many big group numbers, and in this production the ensemble worked constantly to ensure that every number was strong and impactful; moments like the Trial Before Pilate and The Last Supper (showcasing the talent of the Apostles) showed off the careful choreography and excellent execution. This was contrasted with some super fun, upbeat moments like the titular song Superstar at the show’s conclusion with wonderful performances by Ollie Last, the Angels and the Soul Girls. There wasn’t a weak performance in the cast and everyone should be truly proud of what they created alongside the hard work and clear talent of director Karen Hambleton, production assistant Cat Palfreyman and musical director David Blackwell!
This performance reminded me why this show is one of my all-time favourites and to be lucky enough to get to witness such talent on a local level is a privilege. Whilst this production may be over, be sure to look out for BMTC’s next production of We Will Rock You because if this one is anything to go by, you are in for a TREAT!
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