“What’s the buzz tell me what’s a-happening?” Well, it’s the Watermill’s outstanding innovative production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar.
This spectacular, iconic rock musical is a powerful retelling of the last few days of Jesus performed with boundless energy and vitality by a multi-talented company of 18 actor-musicians, who do full justice to the vibrant score playing a multitude of instruments, and the singing is simply superb, skilfully balanced by Tom Marshall’s sound mix.
Paul Hart’s impressive direction makes full use of the Watermill’s stage and auditorium as well as the beautiful grounds for the Garden of Gethsemane, where, surrounding a large fire-pit, the Last Supper is enacted. David Woodhead’s dark, haunting set design creates an old, disused chapel and is full of surprises. It’s atmospherically lit by Rory Beaton, who paints pictures with his lighting design.
Max Alexander-Taylor’s anguished Judas is filled with doubts and remorse, especially when receiving the bag of silver. Michael Kholwadia brings a humility to the role of Jesus, vulnerable, alone yet empathetic. Parisa Shahmir’s Mary feels his vulnerability and affection for him in her moving song “I Don’t Know How To Love Him”. Both have stunning, strong voices.
“Hosanna” is a joyful celebration of Jesus arriving amongst the crowds and contrasts with the frenetic scene in the temple, with a cross spelling out Casino and Temple as Jesus destroys their wares.
Samuel Morgan-Grahame provides some comic relief as the taunting, hedonistic Herod, and the title song has a chorus of sequenced dancing girls in a glorious, enthusiastic routine choreographed by Anjali Mehra. Olugbenja Adelekan has a fine baritone voice in the role as Caiaphas, and Alexander Zane plays Annas as well as being the onstage musical director.
The prophecy that Peter (Seb Harwood) will betray Jesus and Simon (Michali Dantes) is fulfilled, and the end is fast approaching as Pilate (Christian Edwards) agonises about Jesus’s fate as the ensemble demand that he should be crucified.
The flaying of Jesus as he is left blooded and wounded is hard to experience played with such theatrical power, and the dramatic finale is a poignant, unforgettable moment.
This production oozes the highest production standards with an accomplished, dream cast. The prolonged applause and standing ovation were richly deserved. Not to be missed.