Jesus Christ Superstar

Like a shooting star this production has blazed across the arenas of Australia.

Re-invented in the UK to be set in Rome in 2011, the tumult is not revolution against the Roman Empire in the Holy Land, but the occupy movement protesting against capitalism.

Protestors in hoodies scale steep steps, adroitly dancing while waiving their placards, fighting with Police and setting fire to street furniture.

It gave the musical a contemporary feel, aided by the pulsing hard rock musical accompaniment.

Tim Rice penned the musical as the Gospel according to Judas.

Tim Minchin scaled the musical heights of this role with aplomb. His soaring tenor rock arias were faultless, as his veins almost popped out of his head.

The benchmark was set very high for others to reach. One artist after another reached the same heights.

Ben Forster as Jesus, Jon Stevens as Pontius Pilate and Melanie C as Mary Magdalene all shone.

Then came the great comic cameo of King Herod played by Andrew O’Keefe. As you might imagine, the influence of game shows dominated his song, and although he can’t sing like his famous uncle, he showed panache in performing to the stage camera.

This was a production which pleased seasoned Jesus Christ Superstar watchers and newcomers alike.

David Spicer