Red Bus Londinium Life

The New Wimbledon Theatre currently plays host to the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Jesus Christ Superstar. With strong vocals, a stark and simple staging and stunning choreography (which earned an Olivier nomination in its first iteration), there is much to enjoy here for fans of this Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber classic.

Initially a concept album, and then later a sung-through rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar can suffer in some productions with overly busy staging that gets in the way of the music (such as a New Zealand version with a bright rainbow staircase which overpowered every scene).

Here the pared down set allows the music and the actors to to be centred. Drew McOnie’s choreography uses the ensemble chorus to create the mood, support the action and generate some striking tableaux. The audience gasped in recognition when da Vinci’s last supper painting was recreated.

Through clever movement and positioning the ensemble also vividly represented variously frenzied worshippers, sufferers of ailments, vengeful hordes calling for crucifixion, The choreography very much elevates and enhances the emotion we feel as the well-trod story plays through.

While named Jesus Christ Superstar, much of the plot centres round Judas, played here by Shem Omari James in a triumphant return to New Wimbledon Theatre (his former workplace). James accurately captured the torment and conflict Judas feels as he made his ultimate decision to betray.

Real vocal power came from both Pilate (Ryan O’Donnell) and Herod (Timo Tatzber). Scenes between Caiaphas (Jad Habchi) and Annas (Matt Bateman) exemplify the clever use of the minimal props throughout, here with their sceptres doubling as microphones.

The relationship between Jesus (Ian McIntosh) and Mary Magdalene (Hannah Richardson) rang very true as did Mary’s evident scorn for Judas when he was questioning and challenging Jesus. Jesus’ suffering and death was powerfully portrayed although some may find elements of how the 39 lashes were presented as minimising their horror.

For fans of the show or of Lloyd-Webber, this is definitely a well presented treat. The audience response was rapturous with a standing ovation to close the show.

[Thank you to New Wimbledon theatre for the gifted tickets for an honest review].