Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night Verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Early on in tonight’s performance the cast belt out What’s the Buzz? The same sentiment perfectly sums up the arrival of Jesus Christ Superstar into Manchester, before it heads out on a full UK tour.

The excitement and expectation is more than understandable as director Tim Sheader’s Olivier Award winning adaptation of the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber penned creation has garnered huge commercial and critical success, with its original 2017 run at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre resulting in a return the following summer followed by a further run at the Barbican before a concert version in between Covid lockdowns and a North America tour. On the basis of tonight’s performance it certainly lives up to the hype and more than delivers.

Originally conceived as an album in 1970, and then in 1971 turned into a rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar follows the last seven days of Jesus’ life as documented in the Gospels. The main focus is the growing animosity between Jesus (Ian McIntosh) and Judas (Shem Omari James), with Judas disgusted by the path Jesus is taking him and his fellow disciples on. As Jesus’s popularity grows, so does Judas’s resentment. Both men are fully aware that their fates are intertwined with both needing the other to fulfil their destiny even though both are reluctant to do so.

This a production of the highest quality, from the cast to the creatives all involved are on the top of their game. Ian McIntosh is outstanding as the reluctant messiah, in what is a physically draining role, he is a force of nature, exemplified in his heart breaking rendition of Gethsemane, his vocals on this are phenomenal.

Opposite Jesus plays Shem Omari James, who is equally as impressive as Judas, his guilt riddled, gut wrenching turn adds depth to the unfolding drama. In addition there is a strong turn from Hannah Richardson as Mary Magdalene, a devotee of Jesus, who may/may not be in love with him. Richardson’s tender rendition of I Don’t Know How to Love Him is again another highlight.

There is a fleeting cameo from Julian Clary, as Herod, playing him as a grotesque chat show host/inquisitor, it’s a darkly comedic slightly jarring moment, taking you out of the action; however, Clary’s star power will have the desired effect of putting bums on seats, I’m sure.

The production is littered with spectacular, well choreographed set pieces, put together by Drew McOnie, which showcase the talents of this incredibly hard working cast. One particular scene which recreates the Last Supper is crafted superbly and looks absolutely stunning.

Visually this production is flawless, filled with religious tableau and iconography, the sight of Judas’s hands bathed in silver and the intense crucifixion scene will live long in the memory. Add into the mix the fabulous set design which works perfectly with the atmospheric lighting adding a gritty, urban quality to proceedings.

At times this feels like a rock concert, with the musicians ever present throughout lurking in the shadows of the stage. It certainly leans heavily on its rocky opera origins which more than works in its favour.

JCS is a triumph, at times brutal and doesn’t pull its punches, it’s easy to see why after 50 years this piece of work is still beloved. This version feels fresh and contemporary and ticks all the boxes for an incredible night at the theatre and will be talked about for many years to come.

Jesus Christ Superstar is at the Palace Theatre till 23rd September, before heading out on a UK tour. Tickets are available here.