THE Swan Theatre will soon be rocking to the sound of Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society's energetic production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

The story revolves around the last seven days of Christ - and what better time to stage the Tim Rice/Andrew Lloyd Webber rock-opera than at Easter?

After 30 years, it has been given a makeover, but the setting, music and story remain the same and it is treated with the dignity it deserves.

The 32-strong cast is led by Andy Gillhooly, as Jesus, who has been with WODS since 1989 and has appeared in many shows, including South Pacific, West Side Story and last year's production of La Cage Aux Folles.

"It is a big part," said Andy, who is celebrating his 36th birthday on opening night. "It is quite frightening at times and very demanding vocally. The singing is continuous and the challenge to maintain the stamina is very hard work."

It is also a very emotional part to play as Andy is flogged and strung up on a 12ft high cross.

"I have never actually played the part of someone dying before. I am just up there on my own. It is scary but I just have to attack it," he said.

Jesus Christ Superstar depicts the last days of Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas, and the part of Iscariot falls to hairdresser Nick Long, who previously made his mark in La Cage Aux Folles and Chess.

"Again, it is the level of the singing. I just have to keep going and going and all the time I have to sustain the performance. It is very intense and very emotional throughout the whole of the show," said Nick, whose clients have already booked their seats for the production.

"Mind you, it is interesting to see how they hang me."

Director Chris Hooper, a member of WODS for 20 years, said Jesus Christ Superstar was the first show he saw in London's West End.

"The cast in this production is fantastic and members bring so much enthusiasm that

I know that everyone who comes to see the show will love it," he said.

WODS presents the classic from Wednesday, April 7, to Saturday, April 17, with a performance on Good Friday, but not on Easter Monday.

Tickets are selling out quickly, so book soon on 01905 611427.

AND as the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar take to the stage in April, they can expect a devilish influence in the audience.

For WODS is expecting a visit from Dracula, who has a particular interest in one of the cast - 19 year-old amateur actress Sarah Ditchburn, playing Mary Magdalene.

However, there's no need for concern as the vampire in question is Sarah's uncle Christopher Ditchburn, who plays the Dracula 'boggart' in the latest Harry Potter film, The Prisoner of Azkaban - due for release in June.

A regular on TV and film and in the theatre, Christopher, aged 42, is going to the musical - which opens on Wednesday, April 7 - to watch his niece and meet her for the first time.

"I am really looking forward to seeing Sarah on the stage. She is the only one in the family who has followed me into the profession and I'm very proud of her, said Christopher, who is travelling up from his Bournemouth home for the rock opera.

Sarah, from St Peter's, is taking an HND in performing arts at Worcester College of Technology and intends to take a top-up degree at University College Worcester to, hopefully, become a drama teacher.

"I was in Kiss Me Kate with WODS last year, but I was really shocked when I got the part of Mary Magdalene. I went into the audition thinking 'this is just for experience' I was completely relaxed and then I got it," she said.

"It's a wonderful part with so many emotions to portray. I love it."

Sarah is also looking forward to meeting her uncle, who will be in the audience on the last night.

"I guess we've never met because I've been too busy," said Christopher, who is currently appearing as a "heavy" in BBC's EastEnders as well as being a prison warder in ITV's The Bill.

Despite being a supporting artist in the blockbuster film Love Actually and rubbing shoulders with the likes of Liam Neeson and Bill Nighy, Christopher rates his Harry Potter part as probably the most exciting role he has played to date.

"It was great fun. I am a 'boggart', one of your worst fears come true. I appear from a cupboard to scare Harry Potter and the other children," he said.