Last night, I spent what felt like 15 minutes being truly blown away by the powerhouse that is Jesus Christ Superstar. At the Palace Theatre Manchester, and wow. It’s been on my list for most of my life, one of those never quite-happens situations.
You know the soundtrack and story; the final piece of the jigsaw is the production. And that’s when you realise the rest is incredible, but nothing prepared me for how blown away I would be on so many levels.
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What You Will Find Here
Jesus Christ Superstar Review
A Little About Jesus Christ Superstar
The stage musical adaptation, known for its controversial reception, premiered in 1972 and became a classic with enduring songs like “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Superstar.” Also made into a film in 1973. The rock opera’s legacy includes numerous revivals and tours, making it significant in musical theatre history.
What Is The Show About?
Jesus Christ Superstar tells the story of the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. Focusing on the conflicts among his followers and the political and religious tensions of the time. It explores the events leading up to Jesus’s crucifixion from the perspective of Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples.
The rock opera delves into the complex relationships and emotions of the characters, including Jesus (Ian McIntosh), Judas (Shem Omari James), Mary Magdalene (Hannah Richardson), Pontius Pilate (Ryan O’Donnell), Caiaphas (Jad Habchi), and King Herod (Julian Clary).
It raises questions about faith, loyalty, and the nature of Jesus’s divinity. The story highlights the different perspectives and motivations of the characters, adding depth to the biblical narrative.
My Review of Jesus Christ Superstar
Jesus Christ, Superstar is multi-leveled; you need to know the story, which most of us do! Firstly, the tale of Jesus Christ and his last days. We grow up learning the stories celebrating his story, but to see it played out in such a way is almost harrowing; having the cruelty and deception played out in front of you is shocking.
Having visited Jerusalem and walked the points of the cross, I found this more real than actually walking in the steps of Jesus. You can almost reach out and touch the overwhelming feeling of betrayal and the beauty of his soul. I am a believer but not religious if that makes sense, and this felt beautifully painful.
But there is also the fundamental life element: you can see people you know in every character. I pinpointed my very own Jesus, Judas and Mary Magdelain. The people in your life who are there no matter what and the friends who smile at you whilst selling your granny at the local market. The whole experience felt profound.
Stand Out Moments
“I Don’t Know How to Love Him” is one of my favourite musical songs ever, and Hannah Richardson brought it home; it was breathtaking. “Gethsemane” Ian McIntosh delivered the number with heart and soul. It was simply stunning.
Everything about Jesus Christ Superstar was off the scale; each act felt like it passed in a flash. It started with a bang, and the tempo never slowed. The choreography was perfect, as were the voices.
Julian Clareys King Herod brought in a breeze of campness that is much needed in such a profound story.
Should You See Jesus Christ Superstar?
The story relates to so much more than the story of Christ; it’s relatable to everyday situations and a piece of genius. To say the fact I have managed to get so much on the page is a miracle, as no show has ever got to me on such a level. It’s a profound piece of theatre.
Where Can I See Jesus Christ Superstar?
It is playing at the Palace Theatre Manchester until Sat 23 Sep 2023. Tickets are available from £13.00. Check out where to park near the Palace Theatre and if you are making a night of it, here are my restaurant suggestions.
It will then be showing at….
- King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Mon 16 Oct – Sat 21 Oct 2023
- Liverpool Empire, Mon 23 Oct – Sat 28 Oct 2023
- Milton Keynes Theatre, Mon 30 Oct – Sat 4 Nov 2023
- Bristol Hippodrome, Mon 11 Mar – Sat 16 Mar 2024
- Edinburgh Playhouse, Tue 6 Feb – Sat 10 Feb 2024
- Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 19 Feb – Sat 24 Feb 2024
- New Theatre Oxford, Mon 6 May – Sat 11 May 2024
- New Wimbledon Theatre, Mon 13 May – Sat 18 May 2024
- New Victoria Theatre, Woking, Mon 3 Jun – Sat 8 Jun 2024
- Sunderland Empire, Tue 11 Jun – Sat 15 Jun 2024
- Princess Theatre, Torquay, Tue 16 Jul – Sat 20 Jul 2024
Please note I was gifted the ticket in return for an honest review.
