Newark Advertiser review of Jesus Christ Superstar at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall

May the power of Christ compel you, as the smash-hit musical phenomenon Jesus Christ Superstar comes to Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall.

You may be surprised by this alternative take on the story of Jesus and Judas as Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s classic rock-opera is updated for the modern day.

While waiting for the show to start I struck up a conversation with the person sitting next to me — a lovely German woman named Christina who had originally seen the show on its West End debut in London in 1972.

This was the first time in 50 years that she had seen the musical and described Regent Park’s modern production as enjoyable, but very different from the show which had captured her imagination in her youth.

She wasn’t wrong. This was a show unlike anything I’d ever seen and as a song only production, the audience barely had a moment to breath in this relentless, yet expressive rock-opera.

The non-stop performances flew by as we became immersed in the final days of Jesus and his relationship with Judas, who was struggling with his faith and loyalty when tempted by the corrupt and powerful leaders of Jerusalem.

There is also strong critique of fame and the fickle nature of fans as Jesus is re-imagined as a cultural icon similar to the rockstars of today, rather than a venturing holy man.

It’s hard to spoil a story that is 2,000 years old and discussed by millions around the world every day, but at times the plot was hard to follow and I was relying on theological knowledge to keep me on track.

However, while some performances were so overly enthusiastic at times that it was difficult to understand what was being said, others really stood out and deserve praise.

Hannah Richardson as Mary had a beautifully clear and soulful voice, which cut through the screaming guitar and wailing rock vocals around it to capture the attention and Ian McIntosh as Jesus gave an incredibly passionate and emotional physical performance.

But the best was reserved for the “baddies” who had the catchiest songs of all and stole the stage whenever they appeared.

My favourite moment came after the interval with the wonderfully flamboyant Herod, as Jesus’ story approaches it’s climax with beatings and public mockery.

Herod, played by Timo Tatzber, is described by director Timothy Sheader as “a superstar from a different generation from Jesus, asking ‘who is this new kid’?”.

He is mocking, chauvinistic and jealous and the perfect cartoon villain, making his entrance draped in a 10ft golden cape, bedazzled with glitter and over the top make up, gleefully prancing around the stage in a pair of high heeled boots.

His exuberant and catchy Cabaret-style cameo is short but much needed to break up the pace of the show.

Despite it’s flaws this show will have you hooked by the end and leaving the theatre with an ear worm which may threaten to stick around for days to come.

Jesus Christ Superstar is running at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall until this Saturday (Januray 13).