IT was the musical which made the New Testament cool, with rock opera tunes that soon become hummable ear-worms.

But we’re not talking about Jesus Christ Superstar but that other great Biblical hit of the hippy 1970s, Godspell.

And now Upton’s Pepperpot Players are reviving the show and re-launching it on Halloween, at the Memorial Hall.

A spokesman said: “Godspell first opened on Broadway in 1971 and has continued to be performed by many companies due to its popularity.

“The Pepperpot Players, in Upton upon Severn, are now reviving this fantastic show, which follows a series of lessons and parables including The Good Samaritan, The Prodigal Son and The Last Supper.”

The spokesman added: Godspell’ is full of music that most of the audience will instantly recognise including - ‘Day by Day’ and ‘Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord’.

“The show is full of the usual Pepperpot Players’ energy, talent and exceptional musicality.”

The plot makes use of parables, mainly from St Matthew’s Gospel, and it asks important questions about the nature of enduring faith.

In its day, Godspell attracted controversy in that there was no obvious resurrection of Jesus at the end.

Before then, Judas is portrayed as a reluctant betrayer of Jesus, who really has little choice in the matter.

For the show’s composer, Schwartz, those who saw controversy in the production were somewhat missing the point.

He said: “Over the years, there has been comment from some about the lack of an apparent resurrection in the show. Some choose to view the curtain call, in which Jesus appears, as symbolic of the resurrection; others point to the moment when the cast raise Jesus above their heads.Both miss the point. Godspell is about the formation of a community which carries on Jesus’s teachings after he has gone.”

The show runs from October 31 to November 3.

Tickets from Upton upon Severn Launderette, from 01684 592208 or on the door.