JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Palace theatre, Manchester

Until Saturday

THE world’s oldest story arrived on stage this week with a ‘70s rock vibe and a clutch of musical theatre’s most legendary songs.

One of the most popular musicals of all time, Jesus Christ Superstar — on at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, until Saturday — is usually always being staged somewhere in the world, be it amateur or professionally.

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera tells the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus, a universally-known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.

Groundbreaking when it first exploded onto the stage in 1971, this production got off to a slow start on Monday.

Some vocals seemed a little weak and the sound not quite strong enough but — by act two — the performances and show had built into a gripping climax.

Glenn Carter is impressive as Jesus Christ, a role he has played in the West End and on Broadway. hitting the high notes with gusto and having the audience on the edge of their seats during the crucifixion scene.

The show is packed with well-known songs including I Don't Know How to Love Him, Everything's Alright, Gethsemane and Superstar but one of the highlights for me was The Temple, performed by Jesus and Lepers.

Tim Rogers is suitably snarling as Judas, Rachel Adedeji brings Mary Magdalene's soft side and Tom Gilling is entertaining as King Herod, complete with nipple tassels.

Rhydian Roberts was forced to bow out of the show due to illness and I cannot help but wonder if the former X Factor contestant — with his classically trained baritone-voice as Pontius Pilate — would have given the show an extra boost.