Jesus Christ Superstar at The Watermill features 18 multi-talented actor musicians who are themselves superstars. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s and Tim Rice’s 70’s rock opera is given a contemporary feel by director Paul Hart and is a whirlwind of music, song, dance, lights which wow the audience and depict the last days of Jesus Christ.
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
On The Watermill’s small stage the production is very special and the audience feels completely immersed in the drama which unfolds and moves from high drama to quiet contemplation. The audience is frequently enclosed by the actor/musicians performing in every corner of the theatre. The second half begins outside where the audience moves even closer to the actors for the more intimate scenes of the Last Supper and the Garden of Gethsemane scene of betrayal. A trumpet fanfare from the roof of the theatre signals the return to inside action.
The production opens in a derelict church where the soundscape features an ominous low note creating a sense of foreboding. Judas’s (Max Alexander-Taylor) rock anthem solos convey his conflicting emotions before Jesus (Michael Kholwadia) takes centre stage and the high emotion of Hosanna engulfs the theatre. As well as his powerful solos, Michael Kholwadia also has many scenes, particularly in the second half, where he must remain silent. It is testament to his skill as an actor that these are equally effective.
Mary (Parisa Shahmir) gives a moving rendition of the iconic songs, I Don’t Know How to Love Him and Everything’s Alright whilst accompanying herself on the guitar. Caiaphas’s (Olugbenga Adelekan) amazing deep voice gives a sinister powerful contrast. The atmosphere shifts again with the King Herod (Samuel Morgan-Grahame) scene which is full of dark humour. Herod is portrayed first as a fat-cat business man surrounded by fawning girls but quickly becomes more sadistic, macabre and menacing. Pilate (Christian Edwards) gives a powerful solo capturing his dilemma.
The choreography is outstanding throughout with the ensemble performing complex moves with agility in such a small space which convey the fever and fickleness of the emotional crowd.
The lighting is also integral to the productions’ success. The eerie light of the opening section moves to floodlights on the audience at key moments of high drama so the audience feel they are also being interrogated. The costumes add to the contemporary feel of the production.
Jesus Christ Superstar is energetic and exuberant with audiences giving standing ovations. Don’t miss it. Jesus Christ Superstar is playing until 21 September. Book your tickets here.
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