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Post by theatrefan62 on Mar 29, 2024 22:42:14 GMT
Is Ian currently off sick?
He hasn't been on as Jesus so far this week by the looks of social media and I'm losing hope be will be on tomorrow. This week wasn't a scheduled absence from what I can tell.
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Post by theatrefan62 on Mar 30, 2024 19:09:02 GMT
Saw this today, Ian was off and we had the second understudy, Tim Roberts, as Jesus.
I saw the original run in Regents Park, but found this production better. The cast were even stronger and I think being inside helped to focus it even more without being distracted by surroundings.
Although initially disappointed not to see Ian after all the hype and clips I'd seen, I thought Tim was excellent. Maybe his big notes weren't quite at Ians level, but that's a very minor quibble. He is certainly the strongest Jesus vocally and acting I've seen. The final part of the show I found very moving and powerful.
Shem Omari James as Judas, just out of this world voice. And Hannah Richardson commanded the stage as Mary with again ridiculously strong vocals.
I also couldn't believe that all 3 leads had so relatively few leading acting credits. More than matched any more experienced performances I've seen.
I enjoyed the overall concept more than I did in Regents Park too.
The main two negatives for me were firstly Julian Clary. Yes he is funny and very good at what he does, but he does some what break the tension and focus from the story to him. Secondly the show itself. It really relies on having some prior knowledge to help add context and depth as to who some of the supporting characters are and motivations. But you can't deny the power of the music.
Overall though this was one of the most powerful, and vocally strong, pieces of theatre I've ever seen
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Post by WireHangers on Mar 31, 2024 0:56:35 GMT
Saw this today, Ian was off and we had the second understudy, Tim Roberts, as Jesus. I saw the original run in Regents Park, but found this production better. The cast were even stronger and I think being inside helped to focus it even more without being distracted by surroundings. Although initially disappointed not to see Ian after all the hype and clips I'd seen, I thought Tim was excellent. Maybe his big notes weren't quite at Ians level, but that's a very minor quibble. He is certainly the strongest Jesus vocally and acting I've seen. The final part of the show I found very moving and powerful. Shem Omari James as Judas, just out of this world voice. And Hannah Richardson commanded the stage as Mary with again ridiculously strong vocals. I also couldn't believe that all 3 leads had so relatively few leading acting credits. More than matched any more experienced performances I've seen. I enjoyed the overall concept more than I did in Regents Park too. The main two negatives for me were firstly Julian Clary. Yes he is funny and very good at what he does, but he does some what break the tension and focus from the story to him. Secondly the show itself. It really relies on having some prior knowledge to help add context and depth as to who some of the supporting characters are and motivations. But you can't deny the power of the music. Overall though this was one of the most powerful, and vocally strong, pieces of theatre I've ever seen I went to uni with Tim and he is genuinely one of the nicest people. I’m so happy to hear he’s getting good reviews! |
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Post by claireyfairy1 on Mar 31, 2024 8:55:05 GMT
I saw this at yesterday’s Southampton matinee. Having seen this production several times in every run they’ve done since it was on at Regent’s Park in 2016, I thought the tour was a bit disappointing. For me it’s incredibly cramped on stage now, making it hard for the dancers so the overall impression is a bit chaotic.
The main thing I was really frustrated by yesterday is that the performer playing Jesus didn’t play the guitar in Gethsemane. I was a few rows from the front and he was pretending to play, strumming a few times at the beginning but then miming. Is this how everyone now performs it or was it just our show?! It really ruined Gethsemane for me. I recall when Declan performed this song at Regents Park his soul went through that guitar. He even broke his guitar at one performance I was at, it was like he was one with it. And I believed every inch of his devastation, trauma and anger. (Sorry, his performance of Gethsemane was always a highlight of the show for me.)
I just had to mention it because it was very noticeable for me. Ruined the Gethsemane vibe!
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Post by theatrefan62 on Mar 31, 2024 9:10:59 GMT
I saw this at yesterday’s Southampton matinee. Having seen this production several times in every run they’ve done since it was on at Regent’s Park in 2016, I thought the tour was a bit disappointing. For me it’s incredibly cramped on stage now, making it hard for the dancers so the overall impression is a bit chaotic. The main thing I was really frustrated by yesterday is that the performer playing Jesus didn’t play the guitar in Gethsemane. I was a few rows from the front and he was pretending to play, strumming a few times at the beginning but then miming. Is this how everyone now performs it or was it just our show?! It really ruined Gethsemane for me. I recall when Declan performed this song at Regents Park his soul went through that guitar. He even broke his guitar at one performance I was at, it was like he was one with it. And I believed every inch of his devastation, trauma and anger. (Sorry, his performance of Gethsemane was always a highlight of the show for me.) I just had to mention it because it was very noticeable for me. Ruined the Gethsemane vibe! Yeah I was sat very near the front too and he wasn't actually playing the guitar but it didn't bother me as the rest of the performance was so brilliant. For me Declan never really comfortably fit the role and always seemed like he was reaching, especially vocally so it was great to have someone whose vocals were more natural |
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Post by BVM on Apr 18, 2024 7:30:20 GMT
As Eastbourne is not too far from where I live, went to see the show yesterday specifically to catch Luke Street as Jesus. His Simon is absolutely breathtaking so really wanted to hear him do more than one song.
Anyway, had a row B seat, just medial to the side speaker stack and was both literally and metaphorically blown away. This guy has such a sensational voice, bridging musical theatre and rock with perfection. Powerful, accurate and with gorgeous tone and quality.
I knew of him as I was a big Bat Out Of Hell fan, but unfortunately never saw him cover one of the leads - really wish I had. Anyway, booked again for Salford Lowry to see his take on Judas.
Overall, show in great health. Entire cast have really grown on me since I first saw it in Manchester. They had tough acts to follow given some of the MT legends that have previously appeared in this. Shem as Judas and Ryan O'Donnell as Pilate in particular I was slightly reticent about on the opening weekend but they have truly grown into their roles. Hannah Richardson is also sublime as Mary.
And I've said it a million times before, but Drew McOnie basically turning this into a dance musical with continuous flowing stylised movement (in a way like Cats) is an act of pure genius.
Easily the best thing touring the UK currently IMHO. I'll really miss it when it's gone. Website has last date as Blackpool in Autumn with "further dates to be announced." I rather suspect further dates won't be announced though and that will be that as recently saw the amateur version is available to licence again from the same date.
Also wonderful to have an ALW tour that isn't a cheap looking Kenwright production as they are few and far between. Other I guess than the Michael Harrison Joseph but that is such a let down compared to the RUG version. Lord knows where the next quality tour will be coming from. Guess the best I can hope for is that David Ian takes Cats out again (this is surely due!?)
Anyway, can't rave enough about the OAT production, in all it's incarnations. Wish there was a cast recording. Much as I love the 1996 Lyceum OLC, that is almost 30 years old now and would be nice to have Tom Deering's adaptations to the ALW orchestrations preserved. Never gonna happen alas.....
Birmingham next!
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Post by ceebee on Apr 18, 2024 7:57:50 GMT
Agree BVM - Luke Street is sensational as both Jesus and Judas. What a powerful alternate. He should be leading shows like this. Wasted as Simon. |
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Post by BVM on Apr 18, 2024 7:59:58 GMT
Agree BVM - Luke Street is sensational as both Jesus and Judas. What a powerful alternate. He should be leading shows like this. Wasted as Simon. Absolutely - just an incredible talent! (They must know it given he's currently covering both Judas and Jesus, which is pretty unusual) I know the MT talent pool is hugely overcrowded but really hope he gets to lead a musical that can show off his voice to the max soon. |
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Post by ceebee on Apr 18, 2024 8:02:12 GMT
Agree BVM - Luke Street is sensational as both Jesus and Judas. What a powerful alternate. He should be leading shows like this. Wasted as Simon. Absolutely - just an incredible talent! (They must know it given he's currently covering both Judas and Jesus, which is pretty unusual) I know the MT talent pool is hugely overcrowded but really hope he gets to lead a musical that can show off his voice to the max soon. I could see him picking up the role of Skye in Just For One Day. (The part played by Freddie Love.) Not really a lead role though. |
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Post by aliwag on Apr 30, 2024 12:00:52 GMT
Saw this on Saturday in Birmingham & was blown away by it. by far the best version of JCS I've ever seen. So much more of an ensemble piece than I've seen before & it really worked - everyone was so together. The vocals throughout were top notch & Ian McIntosh's Gethsemane just left me speechless
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Post by BVM on May 4, 2024 9:46:28 GMT
Caught this for the umpteenth time at the Birmingham Hippodrome last Saturday - matinee and evening.
First off - it's a great theatre. Lovely airy open spacious front of house areas, modern, welcoming staff, decent bars and loos. Always an absolute pleasure to visit. Really one of our absolute best touring theatres (and in a really decent City too).
Show fantastic - honestly have nothing new to add. For me the absolutely definitive JCS.
Really nice to see it completely sold out without any household casting at all. I guess it remains a popular show.
And REALLY nice to see an MT performer (Timo Tatzber) as Herod. We have become so used to celebs in that role and the song being speak sung that was the most extraordinary welcome experience to realise that ALW had written some notes and to hear them belted out. He also brought a really intense mixture of camp and menace/terror to the role that I loved. More Herods like this please!
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Post by elfman1 on May 4, 2024 18:12:14 GMT
Caught this for the umpteenth time at the Birmingham Hippodrome last Saturday - matinee and evening. First off - it's a great theatre. Lovely airy open spacious front of house areas, modern, welcoming staff, decent bars and loos. Always an absolute pleasure to visit. Really one of our absolute best touring theatres (and in a really decent City too). Show fantastic - honestly have nothing new to add. For me the absolutely definitive JCS. Really nice to see it completely sold out without any household casting at all. I guess it remains a popular show. And REALLY nice to see an MT performer (Timo Tatzber) as Herod. We have become so used to celebs in that role and the song being speak sung that was the most extraordinary welcome experience to realise that ALW had written some notes and to hear them belted out. He also brought a really intense mixture of camp and menace/terror to the role that I loved. More Herods like this please! The way Timo says ‘what is it that you have got that puts you were you are has been rent free in my head for months |
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Post by ceebee on May 4, 2024 21:19:09 GMT
Caught this for the umpteenth time at the Birmingham Hippodrome last Saturday - matinee and evening. First off - it's a great theatre. Lovely airy open spacious front of house areas, modern, welcoming staff, decent bars and loos. Always an absolute pleasure to visit. Really one of our absolute best touring theatres (and in a really decent City too). Show fantastic - honestly have nothing new to add. For me the absolutely definitive JCS. Really nice to see it completely sold out without any household casting at all. I guess it remains a popular show. And REALLY nice to see an MT performer (Timo Tatzber) as Herod. We have become so used to celebs in that role and the song being speak sung that was the most extraordinary welcome experience to realise that ALW had written some notes and to hear them belted out. He also brought a really intense mixture of camp and menace/terror to the role that I loved. More Herods like this please! Totally agree - Timo is excellent. Much better than Julian Clary twatting around with the character, trying to be funny. |
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Post by thistimetomorrow on May 15, 2024 9:34:44 GMT
Hoping to see the show in Wimbledon this week. Does anyone know of any discount codes around?
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Post by VodkaStinger on May 15, 2024 10:02:13 GMT
Hoping to see the show in Wimbledon this week. Does anyone know of any discount codes around? I believe I got the tickets a bit discounted (around £5 off each) as I bought them a couple of hours before the show yesterday. |
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Post by thistimetomorrow on May 15, 2024 10:25:01 GMT
I believe I got the tickets a bit discounted (around £5 off each) as I bought them a couple of hours before the show yesterday. in person at the box office or online? |
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Post by VodkaStinger on May 15, 2024 14:20:44 GMT
I believe I got the tickets a bit discounted (around £5 off each) as I bought them a couple of hours before the show yesterday. in person at the box office or online? Online |
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Post by capybara on May 17, 2024 0:32:36 GMT
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of what is undoubtedly one of the most classic musical scores of all time. I generally enjoy Andrew Lloyd Webber’s compositions and my recent trip to Pippin had me enthusiastic for some more MT from the experimental 1970s.
I loved it. I didn’t always know what was going on (always tricky with sung-throughs) but thankfully the story of Jesus Christ is a relatively well-known one, so I was able to piece it together during moments when the thread got away from me.
I’d read that maybe the open-air production didn’t quite transfer that well into indoor auditoriums, especially the size of Wimbledon (not my favourite space), but I didn’t feel that at all. The band and talented company filled the vast space tremendously.
For those who haven’t seen the show before, it’s high-octane, it’s frenetic and it’s bloody intense. Under Timothy Sheader’s direction this now well-established version of ALW’s show is performed in many ways as a concert - to the point the actors are actually using handheld mics throughout.
This modern twist only adds to the show’s intensity. But it is the cast who deserve all the plaudits, mainly for being heard over the electrifying live band. I saw alternate Jesus Luke Street. Wow, what a performance that man gave vocally, emotionally, physically. Incredible.
Shem Omari James was also impressive as Judas, whose perspective we are following the story from. Hannah Richardson have some special, sobering moments as Mary, while Ryan O’Donnell was brooding as Pilate. The whole ensemble worked their socks off and were a credit to Drew McOnie, whose choreography choices could definitely be defined as divisive but I was engrossed by them.
JCS is never going to be something I connect fully with. To me, regardless of how familiar the story of Christ is thanks to many hours of RE at primary school, it is too abstract to fall in love with. But this is a SHOW, in every sense of the word and I came away truly exhilarated.
Unfortunately, one patron sat in the front row appeared to be taken ill after attempting to leave the auditorium towards the end of Superstar. It seemed, from a distance, that they may have fainted due to the amount of blood and torture on display during the scene but I couldn’t say that with certainty. Hopefully someone on here will known if they were OK?
Four stars.
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Post by thistimetomorrow on May 17, 2024 9:14:59 GMT
Someone in the dress also fainted at the end of the show! but I think that was more the heat and I saw first aiders with them after.
Big agree that Luke Street was phenomenal!!
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Post by l0islane on May 17, 2024 9:18:38 GMT
I saw this last night too and thought it was brilliant. I've seen a lot of productions of JCS (including the previous iterations of this at the Open Air Theatre and Barbican) and I honestly think this was the best version I've seen. Luke Street as Jesus was phenomenal.
Re. someone fainting. I was sat in the front row too and I had to look away during the flogging scene, it was very upsetting, I'm not surprised that someone found it too overwhelming (I only saw them leave and their companion go after them so no update I'm afraid).
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 17, 2024 13:37:57 GMT
Two front row tickets on the Noticeboard for the matinee Saturday 18th May. Price includes additional lounge access.
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Post by BVM on May 18, 2024 11:05:22 GMT
Great to see the love for Luke Street.
Phenomenal performer, hope he has a great future!
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Post by ceebee on May 18, 2024 23:28:20 GMT
Great to see the love for Luke Street. Phenomenal performer, hope he has a great future! 100%. He is superb. I think he'd also be a great Pilate. |
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Post by evilmat360 on May 19, 2024 22:22:51 GMT
Great to see the love for Luke Street. Phenomenal performer, hope he has a great future! 100%. He is superb. I think he'd also be a great Pilate. It's also one of his covers, saw him as Pliate in Oxford and was also great in that role. |
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Post by richey on May 22, 2024 18:31:14 GMT
Having already booked to see this tomorrow night, The Lowry have just posted that Charlie McCullagh has stayed at the theatre after finishing in 42 Balloons at the weekend and will be playing Jesus tomorrow. This will be interesting as I will have seen him in two different roles within a week.
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