Jesus Christ Superstar at The Bristol Hippodrome

Posted on: 2024-03-13

Our rating:

What’s there to say bout’ Jesus (Christ Superstar on tour). Well, after having the pleasure of attending the travelling tours’ Bristol performance on the 11th of March, we can clearly see why there’s been all the buzz.

 

If you’re a theatre viewer who’s intimidated by a back-to-back song-based musical, then I couldn’t recommend Jesus Christ Superstar as a better starting point (Maybe work your way up to Les Mis). 

To see a musical classic that’s been running since the 70s “reimagined” is always a bit of a hit-or-miss experience. Safe to say Timothy Sheader did not disappoint. While we did have our primary reservations as to the choice of modern clothing being used on the cast, the stage set-up and layout were truly impressive. How this show travels so well is beyond me (And I saw Elphaba fly over the Hippodrome twice in February).

 

The structural design of the stage was so well layered, that throughout the show it could accommodate for the full cast as well as the musicians without once feeling overcrowded. The mini-crucifix stage set-up was a good touch of genius.

 

Their modern twist on each song really began to captivate us during Act 2. While it was a pity to miss Julian Clary starring in the role of Herod, Poppy Hall’s costume flair was so perfectly on point. I’ve always thought of King Herod’s song as rather on the camp side (Much like “Potiphar” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph & the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat). To see him appear in a floor-length (with train) golden robe, to be taken off to reveal a gold sequin body suit just goes to show we interpret Herod as one and the same.

As for the rest of the cast, there wasn’t a fault to be found in their delivery. Jesus, Judas & Mary performed their ballads flawlessly, but as for a group effort… The Pharisees were a bit of a show stealer. Captivating, tenor to baritone, fabulous range and just pure energy. A must-watch that I would definitely recommend to a friend.

 

Jesus Christ Superstar runs at The Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday 16 March 2024, secure your tickets HERE.

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Article by:

Xavier Ellis

Xavier - born in Italy, raised in Spain, and now calls the UK home. Co-owner of La Scala, an Italian Deli-Coffee hub in Bristol. Sommelier trained with a passion for the West End.