THOUGHT provoking and emotional is this religious blockbuster of one of only three shows written by the formidable partnership of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber that has been delighting audiences around the world since the early 1970's.

 

Glenn Carter played Jesus with compelling emotion, a solid and commanding performance which is not a surprise as he has played the role in the West End, Broadway and on film. Australian Tim Rogers made the part of Judas his own as Jesus friend and betrayer, it would have been good for his voice to have been a little more powerful.

 

Rachel Adedeji X Factor finalist in 2009 does an accomplished job as Mary Magdalene sweet, innocent (although this is debatable) and caring. Her version of I Don't Know How To Love Him one of the biggest songs in the show is poignant.

 

The smooth, deep rich velvety voice of Cavin Cornwall belied the fact that Caiaphas has a rod of iron running through him, whilst Tom Gilling was cool as a camp and extrovert King Herod oh, and  watch out for those nipple tassels!

 

The final scene of the crucifixion is immensely powerful, haunting as Jesus is nailed to the cross with the sound of the nails being hammered in ringing in your ears, moving, powerful and memorable.

 

The entire cast of singers and dancers are superb, the impressive Temple Rock set fills the whole stage and is utilised to the max.

 

Runs until Saturday, 25th July at the Bristol Hippodrome.