Review Roundup: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR UK Arena Tour - All the Reviews!

Celebrating 40 years since it first opened in London's West End, the Jesus Christ Superstar arena tour opened 21 September, 2012, at the O2 Arena in London, starring Melanie C as Mary Magdalene, Tim Minchin as Judas Iscariot, Chris Moyles as King Herod and 'Superstar' winner Ben Forster as Jesus.

The show went on to visit Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, Cardiff, Birmingham, Belfast, Dublin, Liverpool and Nottingham and culminates in Sheffield tomorrow, 21 October.

Let's see what the critics had to say throughout the tour, and check back later for more reviews as they're added!

London

Michael Coveney, The Independent: Now [Jesus Christ Superstar] is ear-splittingly restored to its heavy metal rock origins in a thrilling production by Laurence Connor that uses the insignia of Occupy London, newsreel and video reportage and a game show voting process at the court of King Herod – is he a Lord or a Fraud, ladies and gentlemen, text this number – to renew the energy of political insurgency and repression. And while one may have had doubts about the wisdom of finding a new Jesus through a television talent contest with an audience decision for the unknown Geordie, Ben Forster, that process in itself reflects the showbiz fickle character of the show; and Ben Forster proves a wonderful discovery, passing the sternest test, the great arioso soliloquy in Gethsemane, with flying, high-rock tenor colours.

Laura Thompson, The Telegraph: What fearless and prescient young men Lloyd-Webber and Rice were, back in 1970, writing a work about Jesus's last days on earth that puts Judas Iscariot at the heart of the story: that makes Judas the figure through whom we question, not Jesus Christ himself, but the nature of power and fame and blind following. Tim Minchin is simply superb in the role. He sings amazingly well, but it is his face full of weary intelligence that keeps the heart of the show pure, in the midst of all the amplification (the sound is very much that of a rock gig) and razzmatazz...Ben Forster, who won the role of Jesus on ITV's Superstar, proves that the public vote can sometimes get things right: he looks great and sings powerfully. Melanie Chisholm, a lovely relaxed Mary Magdalene, proves again that she was too good for the Spice Girls; while Chris Moyles, delightful as Herod, proves that there is life beyond Radio 1. But it is Minchin who proves that Jesus Christ Superstar is a work of conceptual genius.

Carrie Dunn, BroadwayWorld: It is a shame that this version, debuting at the O2 Arena before a UK tour (and possibly a West End run) seems so vividly to prioritise concept over content...the stand-out star of the show - by some distance - is Tim Minchin as Judas...And Ben Forster, the winner of one of those phone votes, shows off fair vocal chops; and to give him credit, proved himself to be a more capable vocalist than I had given him credit for during the 'Superstar' series. However, at the moment he still lacks some of the presence and charisma needed for a truly believable Jesus...Against a fascinating and thoughtful Judas, a stroppy, message-less Jesus ends up being significantly overshadowed - and unlikeable.

Lyn Gardner, The Guardian: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," cries an agonised Jesus on the cross. But it's the good lord, otherwise known as composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, who should have known better than to crucify his own child by presenting it in this arena format with a Jesus (Ben Forster) cast from a TV talent show, a former Spice Girl – Mel C – as Mary Magdalene, and Tim Minchin as Judas. Written by Lloyd Webber when he was 21 with lyricist Tim Rice, the show began life as a concept album and a US arena tour before Jesus conquered Broadway in 1971.

Mark Shenton, The Stage: If the production completely fails to sustain the tensions of the story - the loud bits are excruciating, the tender moments lost - that’s largely not the fault of a hard-working, even harder-singing cast. There are a couple of triumphs among the casting. Tim Minchin effortlessly rises above the din to show that there’s nothing this man can’t do, whether it’s being one of the funniest comics working today, a brilliant composer in his own right, or now a powerful leading man of musicals. And Alex Hanson, as Pontius Pilate, lends supreme vocal authority and acting assurance to prove what years of experience can bring to the stage.

Chris Smith, Yahoo! UK & Ireland: This is the first time that the rock opera has been performed on such a large scale and for the most part, it worked superbly…The performances were also top notch. Ben Forster…proved that he was so much more than a talent show winner. His rendition of the vocally challenging 'Gethsemane' was near flawless, faltering on the high notes only once…Melanie Chisholm, although not on stage as much as we would have liked, owned the role of Mary Magdalene- producing an emotional and beautiful performance of 'I Don't Know How to Love Him'. Tim Minchin however was the true star of the show. A total revelation, Minchin's powerful turn as Judas somehow managed to evoke sympathy for one of history's most reviled characters while his vocal range seemed to know no bounds.

Louise Ault, The Void: Our modern Jesus looks just like you and me. He has a phone and he wears dark jeans. He doesn’t float around the gaff like a human glow stick and tell people off. On paper this concept sounds sketchy, but in reality it makes the show feel far more personal, believable and up to date…There is no doubt that Tim Minchin steals the show with his portrayal of Judas. His powerful voice is normally hidden in his normal comedy routines and in this part – so vastly different from his normal comfort zone – he simply shines. Ben Forster the chosen ‘Jesus’ from the Superstar TV show was indeed the correct choice; his voice easily fills the arena and helps bring the show to life…There has been talk among fans of disappointment as this version of Jesus Christ Superstar is so vastly different from the original production, but it’s an unfair statement when this is an entirely new version of the show not a reproduction...Tastes change and the original would not necessarily cut it with our future generations. They want to feel part of it, relate to it; not be smashed across the face by a sequined Bible.

Dominic Maxwell, The Times: The show gets the right balance between the spectacular, the jokey and the sincere. The performances from the well-choreographed supporting cast are fine throughout. Honestly, it’s enough to give rock opera a good name.

Newcastle

Debra Fox, The Journal: The prestige that Lloyd Webber’s music and Tim Rice’s lyrics possess was enough to make the show thoroughly enjoyable. Sadly the modern production was a deviation from the classic…Laurence Connor’s Baz Luhrmann-esque translation of the rock opera to our present time had the potential to be effective, but for me it was not pulled off with the same aplomb. The hustle and bustle on the stage overshadowed the essence of what is most important to the show. That said, all main parts delivered above and beyond my expectations with a particularly heartfelt performance of Gethsemane from Ben being the most mind-blowing moment of my evening. Forster and Minchin were a musical pair to be reckoned with and their onstage chemistry definitely made up for the distracting production.

Jessica Murray, Evening Chronicle: Lead man, Ben Forster…acted his part with incredible passion. His outstanding rendition of Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say), demonstrated remarkable vocal ability and he received a rapturous response from the audience. Judas Iscariot was played with a superb sense of weary confliction by Tim Minchin and his voice was perfectly suited to the show’s big rock numbers. Chris Moyles provided a comical if brief anecdote to the show with his delightful portrayal of King Herod; the biggest surprise of the night. Ex-Spice Girl, Melanie Chisholm played Mary Magdalene although her performances appeared a little bland...The concept of a musical on an arena scale isn’t to everyone’s taste, and at times the extravagance of the production, a flamboyant spectacle of acrobatics, dramatic flames and provocative pole dancing, distracted from the poignant tale.

Manchester

Dianne Bourne, Manchester Evening News: All those cynics who believe TV shows can't find real talent should pull up a pew at this new arena production of Jesus Christ Superstar. For musical guru Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber has certainly found a worthy Superstar in talent show winner Ben Forster who leads this spinetingler of a rock opera with sheer class and some glass-shattering high notes. And anyone pondering how such a musical will translate to a vast arena setting needn't worry – from the very opening strains the pounding music, the huge and sophisticated video backdrops and pulsating energy from a talented ensemble cast make this a true spectacle.

Cardiff

Lorna Doran, Western Mail: Here is a man whose vocal talents are immense. [Ben Forster's] second-half rendition of Before I Change My Mind was astonishingly good. In fact, his second-half performance was in a different league to the first, where he showed a distinct lack of stage presence. This wasn’t my Jesus and I needed mine to be more charismatic and compassionate. Despite these nigglings, Jesus Christ Superstar isn’t just about Jesus Christ…Along with the real star of the show, Judas Iscariot, played by the wonderful musical powerhouse that is Tim Minchin, and Mary Magdalene, beautifully portrayed by Spice Girl Melanie C, the show is carried by its wonderful ensemble cast: the fantastically choreographed dancers, superb singers and talented musicians who make this a fabulous spectacle to listen to and watch. This high-energy, fast-paced performance was over far too quickly.

Birmingham

Reviewer, Solihull Observer: The basic stage set up means there is little variety in the staging but there are expertly executed dance sequences throughout the show. The performances across the cast are good, with Chris Moyles stealing the show as TV host Herod…Tim Minchin is strong as Judas and you can forgive the occasional dodgy high note because he gives the most emotionally engaged performance while former Spice Girl Mel C sings well as Mary Magdalene. In the starring role Ben Forster, who won the part of Jesus on Andrew Lloyd Webber's ITV talent show Superstar, is a good singer but there is little evidence as to why all the protesters are following his Jesus…Overall it is a show which looks good and fills the arena, but it was a bit empty beneath the surface.

Liverpool

Catherine Jones, Liverpool Echo: A lot of money has been invested in the current arena tour, and it’s money well spent...Tim Minchin has long coveted the role of Judas and brings to it a passionate (throat flaying) vocal delivery that embraces his own idiosyncratic style. Melanie C proves a soft- spoken, sweetly vulnerable Mary Magdalene...Meanwhile, at the centre of the turmoil is Ben Forster’s Jesus. And it turns out Lloyd Webber’s trust in the British public’s judgement has paid off again. Forster is a thoughtful Messiah, eminently watchable, and if he doesn’t begin as a towering figure he certainly grows into a commanding presence as he progresses – the emotional journey he conveys in his solo Gethsemane is particularly impressive. As for the modern-day setting, that’s proved to be something of a Marmite issue? Protesters and big business have been in vogue as a subject matter since the 2011 Occupy campaign and riots…But it’s delivered here with such conviction it’s easy enough to embrace the concept and simply enjoy the rollercoaster ride.

Reviewer, Liverpool Daily Post: Restored to its rock roots, the star-studded second coming of Jesus Christ Superstar is big, brash and bold…On paper, the show is in danger of being a dusty, tired relic from the 1970s but this arena tour, coming off the back of a televised search for its leading man, fizzes with youthful energy…Leading man Ben Forster…is superb as “rabble rouser” Jesus and proves that audiences can occasionally be relied upon to make the right decision…with a commanding stage presence, powerful vocals and acting talent to match. In the show’s stand-out moment, he tackles the fiendishly difficult Gethsemane, with its vocal twists and turns, and passes with flying rock star colours. The dark to Forster’s light, Tim Minchin delivers a masterful and intelligent performance as a dreadlocked (and strangely likeable) Judas, clever staging marking him out as an outsider from the very beginning. It’s hugely entertaining and ear-splittingly loud but sometimes tries too hard to be relevant...

Chris High, Click Liverpool: There is one thing that both producers and directors seem to have forgotten ... size isn’t necessarily everything…Superstar is meant to be an intensely rich, deeply emotive and resoundingly emotional show that should resonate on a personal level with all those who see it. Being stuck half a mile away to watch the action develop on a big screen hardly induces atmosphere and, still less, attachment to the characters, all of which clearly shows in almost every performance at one point or another. The music is loud and superbly performed. The lighting, graphics and effects are exquisitely executed. The costumes and choreography remain beautifully crafted. All of which underlines the point that the performances will have shined brighter had there not been quite so many shadows to cloud proceedings. In short, the whole darn thing is just too big – too pompous, almost – for its own good, which, ironically, a huge shame because it could be so much bigger, brighter and better than it actually is.

Nottingham

Reviewer, Nottingham Confidential: Critics have questioned whether the musical's highly-emotive and sometimes harrowing scenes can really be successfully captured in venues this size, but the intimacy of the big screen close-ups together with the cast frequently roaming the aisles of the audience both contrasts and works together with the all out belting rockstar performances of the leads, creating a truly exceptional and new theatrical experience…Tim Minchin's edgy, dodgy and disturbed Judas develops into an epic and awesome character of desperation...whilst Mel C equally spellbinds big time with her moving, powerful, and touching Mary Magdalene. And it's quite a sight to behold ten thousand people completely stunned and transfixed during the heart-wrenching, show-stopping and tour de force Garden of Gethsemane solo...with Ben Forster alone but filling the stage and showing off a glorious vocal range reaching celestial notes so high, they would make The Bee Gees wince…And so what initially seemed a bit of an oddball-collection of casting came together and all turned out to be just a little bit genius.

To post a comment, you must register and login.