Well, would you look at that…I got to go and see a show and now I’m writing a review…again! Feels like old times (nearly). This is once again, a review written for Dress Circle Antics (to be posted on there some point in the near future), but I liked the show so much and am rather proud of the review…so I figured I may as well post it here too! So, here it is. My review on Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar. It feels very good to be able to write those words again. Theatre, I have missed you.
Venue: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Performance Date: 23/08/2020
Running until: 27th September 2020
Reviewer: Leyla Demirel
Star Rating: ★★★★★
After a dark time where theatres have been shut down with no idea of knowing when they will reopen, Jesus Christ Superstar currently running at Regents Park Open Air Theatre is like a light at the end of the tunnel for theatres, casts and creatives everywhere. It is like a beacon of hope that theatres may be able to reopen – albeit slowly.
The show is phenomenal and breathtaking in every sense of the word. Everyone has at the very least heard of this iconic musical from Andrew Lloyd Webber…but this is a whole new version of the show. And it is simply breathtaking.
From the opening notes of the spine-tingling overture to the final bow, this show is a stark reminder of the power of theatre and everything theatre fans have been missing. Despite the show being labelled as a ‘concert’, there is still beautiful choreography, courtesy of Drew McOnie that is cleverly stylised, precise and tightly performed. Furthermore, thanks to Timothy Sheader, there is clever direction that has clearly been thought through with depth as to how certain scenes and crucial, poignant moments can be carried out, whilst still being socially distanced. Despite the social distancing throughout the show, the choreography combined with the staging ensures the show doesn’t feel like a concert, and certainly doesn’t feel like there is anything missing, or like it is any less of a show.
Ricardo Afonso and Tyrone Huntley share the role of Judas, whilst Pepe Nufrio and Declan Bennett share the role of Jesus. All four leads have such a powerful stage presence that they can own a stage and capture attention onto them before even singing. With Jesus Christ being such an intense show from start to finish, they all take this within their stride and maintain such strong characterisation and vocals throughout, never faltering. The split roles give audience members a chance to see how two actors can take on the same role and make it their own, yet all be equally fantastic in their slightly different portrayals.
The chemistry between Judas and Jesus, regardless of who is portraying them that show, feels raw and genuine. The intensity and the energy of the show is palpable throughout, with this on-stage chemistry only adding to that. At times the show feels uncomfortable – from Judas’ death to the crucifixion – but for the right reasons. The performances from the stellar cast are fantastic with the not only the leads but also the ensemble working tirelessly to deliver what looks like a physically, vocally and emotionally demanding show. Somehow, the cast makes everything they do look effortless, and ensure the show is played out to the entire audience, as opposed to just performing flatly to the front row. This adds such power to the show and ensures no emotions are lost. Running at 90 minutes straight through with no interval, this also means there is never a break in tension at any point. All these choices lead to such an impactful feeling which can not be understated.
The lighting of the show is something that adds to this impactful effect and is its own form of stage magic. Lee Curran has expertly designed the lighting so it mirrors whatever is happening on stage at one particular moment, such as a deep red for the darker scenes and when Jesus is crucified. Whilst in some shows this may seem to audience members to be a small added detail, in this production, it is hard to ignore and the lighting is a spectacle alone.
Overall, Regents Park Open Air Theatre have outdone themselves with this current production of Jesus Christ Superstar. The theatre may only be half full, but this show is full-on and full out. A show that has been performed countless times before, this version feels new and exciting. The performance is more than likely to linger in people’s minds long after they have left the park and with the added bonus of multiple casts to see, this unforgettable show is worth at least one visit before the limited run is over. A new and beautifully unique re-telling of a well-known story, this show is not one to miss and is a truly memorable and special theatre experience.
*Photo of the bows was taken by me and ushers were asked prior to the show if bows photos were allowed*
One Show at a Time 