Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 27th April 2024
Reviewed by Nadia Dodd
5*****
One of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd-Webbers best known hits, this Regents Park Open Air Theatre production originally was bought to life over 50 years ago and it still filling theatres on this current tour.
This version is a rock opera, the cast tell the story of the final seven days of Jesus’ life. The story is centred on the much-dissatisfied Judas’, very much how he felt about Jesus’ work with his people.
As the curtain goes up the stage setting is very dark and moody, with the occasion spotlight focusing initially on the on-stage band. The electric guitar commencing the show before the extremely upbeat energetic dancers suddenly appear. The choreography is on point, no beat missed, a fantastic young ensemble also with amazingly powerful voices when they did showcase their voices throughout the evening.
The scene across the stage is intense from the start and you are hooked immediately. The crucifix cross being the main stay on stage throughout the whole performance, I quite like when the scenery remains the same, no need for new scenery as less in more especially in this show, the rawness of the story is enough.
Jesus played by Ian Mcintosh has an astonishing vocal range he was mesmerising to listen to. Jesus realises that his fate with Judas, played by Shem Omari James, will only ever be remembered by his betrayal.
It isn’t all dark and moody though, Herod played in gold sequins and heels by Timo Tatbzer was very flamboyant indeed, not what I was expecting at all.
I can’t not mention the ensemble member Louise Francis who had stepped in as Mary Magdalene in last nights performance. Her voice is sensational and only graduating in 2018 she really is going to go far in the world of theatre. I certainly will look out for any upcoming productions that she goes on to appear in.
There is no excuse not to go and see this show, from the guitar solos, the mesmerising vocals and the on point dancers this show has it all. I last saw a version of this show many years ago and even though the story will never change this rock version is certainly one I would recommend you book to see.