Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent's Park Open Air Theatre)
Everything from the innovative set design of Tom Scutt, through the exciting choreography of Drew McOnie to the flawless direction of Timothy Sheader makes this a revival not to be missed and makes it obvious why it's back for a second run in the incomparable surroundings of the Open Air Theatre.
Declan Bennett (Jesus) and Tyrone Huntley (Judas) are a tour-de-force in the lead roles, power and passion in abundance as they tell the story of the last weeks of Jesus's life. On the front row it was easy to see the sheer focus that Declan puts into Gethsemane and Tyrone set the bar exceptionally high with a dominant performance of Heaven on their Minds.
Complementing this power is the subtle, understated but, equally compelling performance of Maimuna Memon as Mary Magdalene, an actress who certainly deserves greater exposure in leading roles.
It's impossible not to acknowledge the bordering on explosive performance of David Thaxton as Pilate, I felt his frustration in trying to avoid the crucifixion for which the crowd are baying. Peter Caulfield added some light relief from the otherwise building tension with an extravagant but, ultimately controlled performance as Herod.
Sparse yet imposing set in which the musicians are housed at high level but, in full view, making them an integral part of the performance is an inspired decision as is the varied location of entrances and exits at numerous levels, keeping the audience guessing.
Sheer atmosphere provide by this venue adds to virtually every performance but, when it's one as majestic as this one it ticks every box for an audience and there is no real surprise it won an Olivier Award.
Runs until 23rd September 2017 so not many performances left to be enthralled.
Book Here
Declan Bennett (Jesus) and Tyrone Huntley (Judas) are a tour-de-force in the lead roles, power and passion in abundance as they tell the story of the last weeks of Jesus's life. On the front row it was easy to see the sheer focus that Declan puts into Gethsemane and Tyrone set the bar exceptionally high with a dominant performance of Heaven on their Minds.
Complementing this power is the subtle, understated but, equally compelling performance of Maimuna Memon as Mary Magdalene, an actress who certainly deserves greater exposure in leading roles.
It's impossible not to acknowledge the bordering on explosive performance of David Thaxton as Pilate, I felt his frustration in trying to avoid the crucifixion for which the crowd are baying. Peter Caulfield added some light relief from the otherwise building tension with an extravagant but, ultimately controlled performance as Herod.
Sparse yet imposing set in which the musicians are housed at high level but, in full view, making them an integral part of the performance is an inspired decision as is the varied location of entrances and exits at numerous levels, keeping the audience guessing.
Sheer atmosphere provide by this venue adds to virtually every performance but, when it's one as majestic as this one it ticks every box for an audience and there is no real surprise it won an Olivier Award.
Runs until 23rd September 2017 so not many performances left to be enthralled.
Book Here
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