Jesus Christ Superstar – Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber

Lyrics: Tim Rice

Director: Tim Sheader

After successful performances in London at the Regents Park Open Air Theater and the Barbican and a US tour, the Regents Park Open Air Theater production of Jesus Christ Superstaris now on tour in the UK. This production, while boasting talented cast members and some wonderful creative elements, can often feel a little style over substance. Regardless, the ever-popular music and lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice shine through.

Tim Sheader’s production turns the musical back into something much more like a rock concert, which is in keeping with what the show was originally set up to be, but still manages to be visceral and powerful. Tom Scutt’s costumes are an intriguing mix of modern pieces while evoking biblical attire. Its set design fills most of the stage with a cross-shaped catwalk that leaves limited space for Drew McOnie’s choreography. McOnie’s Olivier-nominated choreography is energetic and engaging to watch, but at times it can seem a little too abstract. Lee Curran’s lighting design, despite the overuse of very bright lights shining directly into the audience, creates an atmospheric setting, and Nick Lidster for Autograph perfectly balances the vocals with the live band.

This current touring production features Ian McIntosh, Shem Omari James and Hannah Richardson as the lead trio of Jesus, Judas and Mary respectively. McIntosh does his part, providing some excellent vocals and doing full justice to the infamously challenging track Gethsemane. He brilliantly leans into the pain and agony of Jesus in a way your reviewer has not seen before. Jacob’s Judas is a bit more righteous than just angry. He delivers a powerful voice throughout the show, but the rock style doesn’t necessarily come as easily to him as others in the cast. Richardson’s voice is absolutely stunning, delivering a fabulous rendition of I Don’t Know How To Love Him.

However, some of the strongest performances in the show come from the supporting cast. Ryan O’Donnell is perfect as the conflicted Pilate, giving a wonderful rendition of Pilate’s Dream, accompanying himself on electric guitar. Jad Habchi and Matt Bateman are both great as Caiaphas and Annas respectively, providing contrasting and outstanding voices. Timo Tatzber as Herod is great fun and feels like he came straight out of itCabaretHis Kit Kat Klub. Luke Street provides a great rock voice as Simon Zealotes, while Joshua Hawkins provides a beautiful voice and guitar accompaniment as Peter on Could We Start Again Please?. Eloise Davies also deserves a mention – she demonstrates her excellent dance and movement skills as the leader of the mob, capably and confidently leading many large ensemble numbers.

Jesus Christ Superstarit’s an enjoyable evening, despite the production feeling overly stylized, with a cast that does justice to this iconic score.

It runs until June 29, 2024.