Review - Jesus Christ Superstar, Leeds Grand Theatre, July 6, 2015

Jesus Christ Superstar, the second of only three musicals from the dynamic partnership of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, has been thrilling audiences since 1971; this 2015 version no exception.

Glenn Carter is a convincing Jesus. He’s ben playing this role for more than 20 years yet still manages to wring every kind of emotion from his performance; his incredible voice hitting the highest of notes faultlessly.

Equally impressive is Tim Rogers as Jesus’ friend and betrayer Judas who really shines in the second half in particular as he comes to regret his actions.

Newcomer Rachel Adedeji is a sweet Mary Magdalene,the scenes where she tends Jesus are poignant and tender - in sharp contrast to the pulsating beat of the rest of the score.

Tom Gilling is a deliciously naughty Herod; Cavin Cornwall a majestic Caiaphas and Johnathan Tweedie a empathetic Pilate.

The vibrant ensemble cast of singers and dancers are superb and the towering set that takes over the whole stage switches effortlessly between scenes.

They say the mark of a good musical is how memorable the songs are; well, I’ve not stopped singing since I left the theatre.

Julie Marshall