The iconic global phenomenon has arrived at the Wales Millennium Centre and I was lucky enough to be invited to come and review it!

From the musical minds of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar is an extraordinary theatrical experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list. I had heard a lot about this show before but I’d never had the chance to see it, but my expectations were high. But even from the overture, I knew I was about to watch something truly spectacular. This age old story is given a modern twist as we witness the events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, with the use of the rough industrial backdrop, laced with heavy rock ballads and ethereal undertones. 

The soundtrack to this show will undoubtedly blow you away. The power and passion behind them left me with goosebumps, and they were brought to life for us on stage by a truly talented cast. Ian McIntosh takes on the heavy role of Jesus Christ, embodying this character with a humble strength and commanding the stage with such powerful songs like ‘Hosanna’, ‘The Temple’, ‘The Last Supper’ and ‘Crucifixion’.

And Jesus’ friend and betrayer, Judas, played by Shem Omari James gave us an incredible portrayal of the character and especially his songs alongside Jesus had the audience stunned. Songs such as, ‘Strange Thing, Mystifying’, ‘Everything’s Alright’, ‘Gethsemane’, along with ‘Heaven On Their Minds and ‘Blood Money’. Their dynamic on stage was intoxicating, pulling the audience into the internal struggle of loyalty and temptation. Alongside these powerful voices, Hannah Richardson, who portrays Mary Magdalene shines bright within this cast. Her heavenly voice was absolutely incredible in songs such as ‘Could We Start Again, Please?’ And ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’. She is a wonder to watch. 

And a special mention has to go to Ryan O’Donnell as Pilate and Timo Tatzber as Herod, who gave us such dynamic and wondrously dark performances of these twisted characters. And Ryan O’Donnell’s performance of ‘Pilate and Christ’ gave his character a whole new dimension. Brilliant!

And the rest of the cast, Jad Habchi as Caiaphas, Matt Bateman as Annas, Joshua Hawkins as Peter, and Jasmine Jules Andrews, Pàje Campell, Eloise Davies, Francis Foreman, Louise Francis, Darius J James, Cassandra Lee, Stephen Lewis-Johnston, Jordon Michael Todd, Jago Mottart, Mia Musakambeva and Timothy Roberts as the ensemble who brought this famously formidable show to a whole new level. 

Everything about this show goes above and beyond, from the elaborate rustic set, to the use of glitter and silver paint as a use of symbolism. I can definitely see how this musical has earned it’s spectacular reputation. Jesus Christ Superstar is an experience that can’t be missed! Songs that will make your heart skip and a story that will leave you with goosebumps, it must be seen to be believed. With the blending of heavenly rock music and musical theatre, combined with the telling of one of the most well known biblical stories, it creates something unmissable. 

Jesus Christ Superstar will be at the Wales Millennium Centre until the 3rd February and tickets are selling very quickly, so get yours now!

You can find out more information on what’s going on at the WMC on their website, Facebook and Instagram.

And don’t forget to check out the official Jesus Christ Superstar tour website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

All photo credits to Paul Coltas