“Jesus Christ Superstar” by Heanor Musical Theatre Company
Mansfield Palace Theatre

This musical has a special, place in my musical theatre history as I first bought a Music For Pleasure LP of the Highlights of the show when I was very young and played it until the grooves wore out. I then later got hold of a copy of the double album film soundtrack, again playing it to death.

The soundtrack has everything you could want from a rock opera, and the story is one that everyone knows but from the perspective of Judas over the last week leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus.

Tom Lucking plays Jesus, and he fits the archetypal image we have of Jesus Christ with the long hair and beard, so straight away, visually, he has you. I knew what a great voice he has but hearing him hit those falsetto notes just sent shivers down my spine. His version of "Gethsemane" is now one of my favourites. There is such a lot of passion injected into this role, especially with Jesus' relationship with Judas.

Judas is played by Andy Quinn, and this is the first time that I have seen Andy act. I’ve known Andy for a couple of years but only this year have I witnessed his live music show, and now his musical theatre prowess. He, like all the main vocalists in this production, perform the songs rather than just sing them; believe me there is a big difference. His scene when Judas hangs himself brought gasps from the audience followed by complete silence, such was the effect this particular scene had over us all.

Alana Fay is Mary Magdalene, and I have not heard a sweeter Mary than in Alana. She sounded almost innocent in her love and admiration for Jesus, despite her profession. Her version of "I Don't Know How To Love Him", starting with just her voice and guitar was spine tingling, as was her duet with with Ben Sherwin, who played Peter, in "Could we Start Again Please?"

Andrew Buxton plays Simon Zealots, and again such passion in his acting, the chemistry between Zealots, Jesus and Judas made the sparks fly.

Kheenan Jones plays Caiaphas, the High Priest who sees Jesus as a threat so sends him to Pilate, and Kheenan for me was the big surprise of the night. You know when your jaw just hits the floor? Well that was me when Kheenan started to sing. I have heard Kheenan sing in ensemble pieces before but where did this big deep menacing voice come from? Making him seem even more of the bad guy, he was lit in a blood red light, creating more of a demonic image.

Pilate, plated by Paul Mills gets to showcase another powerful voice for HMTC. You can feel the passion as he spits out the lyrics to Jesus before and after Jesus' flogging, a scene that is meant to be awkward to watch, and it certainly was just that.

Bringing the lighter side of the musical is Matt Powell as King Herod. this part is made for Matt as we experience the King Herod Show. Wonderfully camp and even includes a costume change half way through. I loved Chris Moyles' version of Herod on the arena tour a few years ago but Moyles lacked a bit of camp. Matt made sure this was well and truly reinstated in Herod, drawing a massive recognition from the packed Mansfield Palace Theatre last night.

Directed by Paul Young, what can I say? it was everything that I wanted from this musical. i need say no more but thank you Mr Young.

Cat Howourth choreographs this brilliant show, and while there are not all typical dance routines, this show is so well choreographed movement wise, the natural feel of the apostles and ensemble may not be fully appreciated. But this natural movement as well as the dance pieces make this show a varied and interesting choreographic smash, which I hope people will appreciate in its' entirety.

The Musical Director is Charlotte Daniel, as with the Director, everything is more than alright, everything for me was spot on. It was loud, but it should be, it's a rock opera. I loved the arrangements in the songs, many changed slightly to match the very modern visual production techniques.

The setting is very modern with a roaming camera (Amy Taylor) picking up the action on stage from various angles as well as offstage. If you've ever seen Jeremy Kyle when his camera crew chase round the guests through the catacombs of the studio, this was the effect we saw as the characters used the backstage and wings to expand the performance areas. This makes for an exciting visual experience for the audience. It's nothing new in this show but to see a local theatre company emulate what the big touring productions do, just goes to show the talent and knowledge groups like this have, and they are not afraid to use it.

This is Jesus 2019 style as the scenery projections showed us modern political images as well as what people would be texting about the Big Man had he had been a social media Superstar today. Scenery projection is a common tool in today's theatre and when it is produced and presented as well as in this show, it makes for an exciting visual addition.

A wonderful, at times dark, Lighting Design by Paul Young, who also designed the set for this show.

From that iconic first guitar chord to the glorious “Superstar” theme, this musical is packed with memorable musical theatre classics. “I Don’t Know How To Love Him”, “What’s The Buzz”, “Everything’s Alright”, “Heaven On Their Minds”, “Hosanna”, “King Herod’s Song” and my favourite “Gethsemane”, which is not the easiest of songs for any actor to pull off successfully.

This show, the cast, the music by Andrew Lloyd-Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, the production (Lucy Young) all sent constant shivers all over me, and they enhanced even more my love for this musical, and the wonderful story.

If you've seen "Superstar" before, then come and see this production. If you've never seen this musical before, come and see what the buzz is all about. You will not regret it I promise you!

“Jesus Christ Superstar” is at the Mansfield Palace Theatre until Saturday 27 April.