Theatre / Reviews
Review: Jesus Christ Superstar, Bristol Hippodrome – ‘Spectacular in all senses’
Here for one week only, this award-winning production of Jesus Christ Superstar is spectacular in all senses: outstanding vocals, skilled musicianship, and thrilling choreography, not to mention the clever design choices and atmospheric staging.
First performed in 1971, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s captivating ‘rock opera’ is here revived in a way that feels vamped up and new.
The technical difficulty of the show is manoeuvred with impressive skill, and there is a mysterious and fascinating quality to the way this company chronicle the end of Jesus’ life. From the moment the lights go up to the hard-hitting finish, this show is darkly atmospheric, full of drama and intrigue.
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Ian McIntosh is a literal superstar as Jesus – experiencing his voice is certainly a religious experience. His vocal journey follows moments of spellbinding softness and purity to powerful potency, showcased by the epic Gethsemane.
Vocal ability is pushed to its limits across the board, with the jaw-dropping falsetto of Judas and the impossibly low notes sung by Caiaphas. But Mary Magdalene’s flawless and hypnotising cadence soothes Jesus, and the audience, from all the noise and intensity – her voice is hauntingly beautiful. The songs seamlessly merge into one another, and we almost forget to breathe as the atmosphere shifts and a new song begins.
The staging cleverly presents the show as an unconventional concert. Scaffolding holds the musicians on-stage, and so our eye is drawn to the visible drummer and guitarists. A toppled crucifix acts as a runway for the performers; initially Jesus sings to his fans from this ‘stage’, but later the high priests dominate the cross like a sinister boy-band.
The show is brimming with religious iconography – palm leaves for Palm Sunday, LED crucifixes and sceptres that double as microphones, to name a few.
The ensemble have an impressive physical presence on stage. Initially dressed in grungy rags, they worship and adore Jesus, reaching out to touch him. In the height of his glory, Jesus crowd-surfs and is fanned with palm leaves. With striking choreography from Drew McOnie, this crowd is emblematic of the political unrest and growing tension of the unfolding narrative. As a group of ‘rock-heads’, they play Jesus’ crazed fans, but later become a bloodthirsty mob (and we all know how this story ends).
The same mass that once adored Jesus Christ, the Superstar, later clamour for his crucifixion, and ‘rock out’ whilst he’s being savagely whipped. They rejoice while he bleeds on the cross, dressed in gospel-esque white gowns. ‘God forgive them, they don’t know what they’re doing’.
Despite knowing what to expect, the ending is a tough watch. Jesus’ crucified body is thankfully blurred by back-lighting and haze, but this only heightens the haunting prominence of his figure.
After all the noise, the performers bow in silence, leaving us with an eery atmosphere of stillness that is emotionally fraught. From start to finish, the company dazzles through entrancing music and powerful movement. And even for the vocals alone, this show is a must-see.
Jesus Christ Superstar is at Bristol Hippodrome from March 11-16 at 7.30pm, with additional 2.30pm matinee shows on Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets are available at www.atgtickets.com.
All photos: Paul Coltas
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