Review: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at The Regent Theatre*

[Ad-gifted] What’s the buzz, tell me what’s a-happening? Well, the hotly awaited  JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR tour has arrived at  The Regent Theatre, Stoke and it’s left the audience with Heaven On Their Minds. Libby Dallimore reviews.

The energetic rock opera composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice was something of a concept album when it was first developed in 1970, before exploding onto Broadway in 1971 and becoming one of the longest-running West End shows in history at that time. Since then, the pounding story of the Gospel’s retelling of the days leading to the resurrection of Christ has become a global phenomenon.

The story, told entirely through song, explores Jesus Christ’s (Ian McIntosh) relationships and struggles in his final days from the perspective of Judas Iscariot (Luke Street). Set against an impressive yet simplistic industrial backdrop, you have nothing but the actors to focus on and wow – did they impress.

In his role as Jesus, Ian McIntosh brought a raw intensity to the stage with powerful and emotional vocals, nailing the high notes in “Gethsemane” and really capturing the inner turmoil he faces in his final days. He was both ethereal yet gritty and I couldn’t take my eyes off him. Similarly, Luke Street who was stepping in as alternate Judas in place of Shem Omari James, was absolutely outstanding, exhibiting the right mix of conflict and frustration as he grapples with the decision to betray his friend.

Hannah Richardson, who plays Mary Magdalene also delivers both an emotionally resonant and powerful performance. Singing one of the show’s most memorable songs “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” she is sincere and has the vocal prowess to match her male cast mates. Whilst her songs often interrupt the tempo of the show, they add depth and meaning allowing us to see further into the characters’ feelings.

Adding some much-needed reprieve from the intensity is Timo Tatzber as the flamboyant, outrageous, and slightly unhinged King Herod. “King Herod’s Song” is performed with contemporary pizazz and his portrayal was utterly camp and unexpected. Alice Cooper played his role alongside John Legend in the titular role in 2017 and that soundtrack remains one of my most played so Timo had big heels to fill but he did so in spectacular style.

Supported by an ensemble of disciples who really pack a punch, Drew McOnie’s choreography is seamless and the energy they expel is electrifying. Caiphas (Jad Hibachi) and Stoke’s own Matt Bateman as Annas make terrifying antagonists as they plot to take down Jesus in “This Jesus Must Die” and sing just as powerfully as they look.

Lyrically, the cast didn’t drop a note throughout and the same can be said for the band who made you really feel like you were at some otherworldly rock concert, filling the theatre with pulsating rhythms and rifts with utter precision. Sadly though, the same can’t be said for the audience. We collectively missed several cues to applaud which was a real shame. This could be due to unfamiliarity with the score or perhaps the breaks between songs need to be more obvious but I’m not sure how you could do this without compromising the intestity of the tempo which builds to crescendo after crescendo. Thankfully, we had the chance to make up for it with a rousing standing ovation and much-deserved prolonged applause as it really is one hell (pardon the pun?) of a show.

If you’ve never seen this show live but always wanted to. GO! Don’t be put off by the subject matter, it’s a retelling of a very well-known story and not as controversial as the Daily Mail will have you believe. If anything, it’s a powerful musical with some crazy rock songs, flamboyance, grit, and raw emotion. Musical heaven if you ask me.

Cast

Ian McIntosh – Jesus
Shem Omari James – Judas
Hannah Richardson – Mary
Luke Street – Judas
Jordan Michael Todd – Simon
Christopher Tendai – Luke/Jordan
Jasmine Jules Andrews  – Mob Leader
Matt Bateman – Annas
Carla Bertran – Swing/Dance Captain
Daniel Bowskill  – Swing/Fight Captain
Pàje Campbell – Ensemble
Louise Francis – Ensemble/Soul Singer
Francis Foreman – Ensemble/Priest
Jad Habchi – Caiaphas
Joshua Hawkins – Ensemble/Peter
Darius J James – Ensemble/Priest
Myla Carmen – Ensemble/Soul Singer
Stephen Lewis-Johnston – Ensemble
Charlie McCullagh – Ensemble/Alternate Jesus
Jago Mottart – Ensemble
Mia Musakambeva – Ensemble/Soul Singer
Ryan O’Donnell – Pilate
Hannah Richardson – Mary
Timothy Roberts – Ensemble/Priest
Esme Rothero – Swing
Jordan Michael Todd – Simon
Timo Tatzber – Ensemble/Herod
The soul singers will be Louise Francis, Myla Carmen, Mia Musakambeva

Creatives

Director Timothy Sheader
Choreographer Drew McOnie
Swing/Resident Choreographer Christopher Tendai 
Creative Team is Design by Tom Scutt
Lighting Design by Lee Curran
Sound Design by Nick Lidster
Music Supervision by Tom Deering

How much are the tickets?

Tickets are priced from £13 to £64.50. For Groups (10 or more), call their dedicated Groups team on 020 7206 1174 or email groupsales@atgtickets.com. A transaction charge applies to online/phone bookings.

How do I book tickets to watch JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR?

Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 7615 or by visiting ATG’s website here.  AGE RECOMMENDATION: 10+

This sung-through musical (which contains loud music) centres on the final days of the life of Jesus. It contains flashing lights and visual effects, pyrotechnics, theatrical smoke and haze, some violence and an onstage depiction of the crucifixion.

How long is the show for and what are the timings?

The show will be running until Saturday, 24 February 2024.  Evening shows will be performed at 7.30pm while the matinee will be on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

Where is The Regent Theatre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent?

Piccadilly
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1AP
Tel: 08448717649

About Regent Theatre

The Regent Theatre is a theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Constructed in 1929 as a cinema, it is one of several theatres in the city centre and one of two owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group. The building was converted for full-time use as a theatre in 1999, and since then has hosted a number of shows and musicals. The theatre is also the northern base for the Glyndebourne Touring Opera.

About Crossroads Live

Crossroads Live Group is formed of leading producers and presenters of world-class musical theatre, united in the shared vision of becoming the first and foremost global distributor of iconic theatrical entertainment. Beginning with David Ian Productions (UK, acquired in 2019), Crossroads has expanded its geographical reach and unrivaled team through the subsequent acquisitions of the Gordon Frost Organisation (Australia, 2020), Qdos Pantomimes (UK, 2021), and TROIKA Entertainment (North America, 2022).

About Work Light Productions

Work Light Productions is a creator and producer of live theatre. They believe in the power of live performance to bring people together, to entertain and to transform. In a world of endless digital diversions, they strive to create meaningful opportunities for people to share experiences. They are dedicated to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that values every member of our team – from their producing and management staff to the creative teams, actors, musicians, stage managers, company managers, and technicians that they employ on each production.

Tips / Information

Review by: Libby Dallimore

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Photo Credit: Regent Theatre/The Other Richard

* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.