We take a look at what is being said about Tim Sheader’s production of Andrew Lloyd webber and Tim Rice’s musical, playing at the London Palladium until the 5th September.
London Theatre.co.uk: “There are thought-provoking themes here, such as the fraught nature of protest, sacrifice, faith, and fanaticism, but this production is, at heart, a passionately human drama. Rock opera heaven.”
The Guardian: “But the first thing that hits you here is the sound, which contains Greek levels of melodrama. It’s a shame it stays at a single, fever-pitched high, flattening the emotional drama. Still, there is the glory of the signature song, Superstar, and the vocal blast of both Ryder and Huntley is a sound to behold.”
The Reviews Hub: “Between Ryder’s stamina, Huntley’s silvered hands and Drew McOnie’s choreography – contemporary folded into something liturgical – this Superstar preaches convincingly to the converted and wins a few souls besides.”
All That Dazzles: “Drew McOnie’s choreography remains every bit as breathtaking and remarkable ten years after this version first appeared. Distinct in its approach, every moment when the cast breaks out into McOnie’s riveting and creative movements is when Jesus Christ Superstar is at its best, be it a single cast member or the full bustling cast matching that energy brilliantly.”
Time Out: “All in all it’s a good production that slots into the Jamie Lloyd era of Sexy Lloyd Webber very nicely indeed. The problem, I’m afraid, is the lead. A year ago Lloyd directed Evita at the Palladium and it was made by an astonishing turn from Rachel Zegler. Sam Ryder has been given the same stage and just isn’t in her league. He’s a pop star – but we needed a superstar.”
London Theatre Reviews.co.uk: “It is an evening that feels more like an uneven, slightly muted concert than a fully realised, transcendent piece of musical theatre. For a production that promised so much on the big stage of the London Palladium, it unfortunately leaves you wanting a great deal more.”
The Stage: “Sam Ryder stars as Jesus in a fan-pleasing revival of the popular biblical musical.”
The Arts Desk: “Eurovision star Sam Ryder is made for the title role, while Drew McOnie’s choreography makes us feel the delirium.”
British Theatre Guide: “It is perhaps something of the modern cult of celebrity where people are loved, loathed and cancelled that enhances this musical’s cultural relevance. It is a piece for all time. With Sam Ryder and this superb cast, superstars all, we must remember Lloyd Webber and Rice, the original creators at the heart of this dazzling constellation.”
London Theatre 1: “At two hours including an interval, it’s far from the longest show in the West End. But it held the audience’s attention very well, despite practically everyone in the house knowing how this was going to end. You could hear a pin drop in the show’s most poignant moments. Sound issues aside on the night, it’s a decent and dynamic production.”
Musical Theatre Review: “Almost every musical, even mundane ones, have a standout moment. But, not many in the audience were prepared for the magnificent rendition by Ryder of ‘Gethsemane’ early in Act II. Simply stunning, it’s not often an actor gets a standing ovation mid-show but at the end of his amazing, beautiful and pitiful performance that’s what he received, and it was richly deserved. It will live long in the memory of those privileged to see it and will surely go down as one of the iconic moments in modern musical history – not bad for a West End debutant. Quite miraculous.”
West End Best Friend: “Perhaps that is the burden of revisiting such a well-loved musical. This production does not radically reinterpret Jesus Christ Superstar. Instead, it reminds us why the work has endured for over fifty years. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera still possesses extraordinary theatrical energy, and in Sam Ryder, it has found a leading man capable of carrying that legacy forward. Not revolutionary, but undeniably entertaining.”
WhatsOnstage: “Both direction and design keep the idea that JCS was originally an album, with its hand-held microphones and wires as part of the impact. The ends of the mic stands are embellished with symbols of office, and instead of the wires being used for the lashing of the captured Christ, the chorus now symbolically throw the same golden glitter that they previously showered him with on Palm Sunday. The soldiers who come to arrest him wear white masks, like Roman statues, prowling threateningly.”
The Telegraph: “With his Jesus-like looks and extraordinary vocals, the former Eurovision star leads an astonishing revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical.”
Radio Times: “If my, admittedly, slightly-worshipful tone doesn’t convey it enough, let me be blunt: This show is simply glorious. Go see it instantly and then go see it again.”
Seat Plan: “Radical reimaginings of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic musicals feel almost the norm in the West End lately. And while this doesn’t quite hit the heights of recent productions of Evita or Sunset Boulevard, it’s easy to see why this production of Jesus Christ Superstar keeps being resurrected. It’s an exhilarating evening that earns a chorus of Hallelujahs from an enraptured audience.”
To book tickets for the London Palladium click here.