Jesus Christ Superstar (Hull New Theatre, Hull, Personal)

 🌟 Jesus Christ Superstar 🌟

07 October 2023 at 2:30pm at Hull New Theatre

★★★★

Jesus Christ Superstar's 2023/24 production sees a fiery, gritty and impassioned take on the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic. Transferred from Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, the 1971 musical is industrialised and modernised into a punky, anarchic concert which roars onto stages nationwide. At Hull New Theatre, we had front row seats for this rock spectacular, and as you can see from the picture, we were CLOSE, with a speaker right in front! It cannot be mistaken that Tim Sheader's has the power to make you shrink back into your seat with such force, though some of the creative decisions can lead to controversy in such a traditional musical.

Featuring an iconic score, including songs Hosanna and What's The Buzz?, Drew McOnie's choreography becomes the forefront of a contemporary dance led show. Combining this movement heavy choreo with a rock concert is an unusual combination. It did take me a little while to warm to this, and it took me until the second act to fully appreciate it in it's form. McOnie has a remarkable way of infusing a modern style into such a traditional musical, and in fact these ensemble numbers are the moments which I, days after the show, cannot stop thinking about and their resonance with Tim Rice's lyrics.

Jesus Christ Superstar throws audiences into the religious story of Jesus' last days ahead of his crucifixion. Personally, I didn't know much on these accounts, and we are placed towards the end of an extraordinary story. As the show is alike a concert, less focus felt directed on the plot, and for the most part I felt a bit unsure as to what was happening. There's a lot of backstory and character relationships you aren't given. Even now I struggle with some of what happened, though the entertainment factor can somewhat overlook this, as a tremendously enjoyable show.

Leading the show as Jesus, Ian McIntosh gives a vigorous rendition of the role, possessing one of those voices which just make your jaw drop in amazement. Particularly with Gethsemane, floored beyond words! And being so close as he finished the song, kneeling and fighting for breath, a masterpiece to watch! Starring opposite as Judas, Shem Omari James is just... WOW! After these two it's a surprise there's still a roof on Hull New Theatre! The vocal ability is outstanding, and as leading men they compliment each other perfectly. Louder vocals can occasionally be lost, as the sound mixing is high, nonetheless enunciation from McIntosh and James is exquisite, couldn't have asked for a better pair.

While these two had phenomenal talent, I found that Hannah Richardson (Mary) and Timo Tatzber (King Herod) were the understated roles which helped to find the more unique moments of the show, saving it from becoming slightly one-note. Richardson's songs were beautifully delivered against the unruly rock, and Tatzber is so wonderfully camp and playful as Herod. As I left the theatre, I just wish there was more to see from these two, because it feels as if they have a lot more to give. And a quick mention for Ryan O'Donnell's Pilate, who is a genuinely menacing antagonist during Act 2, really selling the character. The whole team behind this show are just too talented!

If you are fortunate enough to have seen this adaptation, it is undeniable the ensemble are THE driving force, it wouldn't be nearly the spectacular it is without their determination. I even felt tired just watching them! They produce pure theatre magic, with mic-ography (if you will) and the frightening atmosphere bodies can create onstage is outstanding.

Poppy Hall's street inspired costume was really interesting, and for the most part really worked for this style, though occasionally I felt some inconsistency with Sheader's vision. Prop work is gorgeously done, most notably with the flogging sequence, which is increasing hard to watch with its brutality, but a sign it has been executed effectively. Tom Deering's musical supervision with the onstage band breathes an intensity and viscerally haunting soundscape to the piece, need to be listening to the soundtrack on repeat! As this run is so diverse, I wish I could go on and on about how interesting the design is, but I just keep it as concise as I can, and avoid spoilers!

I have chosen to give Jesus Christ Superstar 4 stars due to the fact it took quite a while to adjust to it's style, and the plot being perhaps not 100% engaging and easy to follow. However, I have published this review about 3 days after seeing it, and I just cannot stop thinking about it, where not only is the show entertaining, but really gives audiences gripping images that will last in my head a long time. There's an unbelievable amount to digest, and I could only wish to see it once more and relive the experience. It is a revolution in musical theatre, and I suggest you check it out for yourself!

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