Leeds Amateur Operatic Society's latest production of Jesus Christ Superstar must rank as one of their greatest ever performances. Approximately a month ago I went to see the professional touring production of this show in Bradford but after seeing the opening night of LAOS's production, both my wife and I had to agree that this group of highly talented amateurs put the professional production to shame. There was far more drama from the principals and the chorus work was outstanding. I first saw Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Superstar in London at the Palace Theatre back in 1972 and remember being 'blown away' at the time. This current production had exactly the same effect on me. This is the first time that an amateur group has performed at West Yorkshire Playhouse but judging by the capacity audience for the opening night, I am sure it will not be the last time that LAOS are invited to this theatre with their productions. They seemed to revel in the much larger stage that WYP has to offer in comparison with The Grand where their usual spring productions have been performed. Three performances amongst the principals stood out for me. Firstly, Kristian Tiffany as Jesus who looked very much the part with his flowing hair and beard. He has a great vocal range, which is needed for this difficult part, as some of the vocal gymnastics written by Lloyd Webber are extremely complex. However, Kristian pulled this off with great aplomb. His acting too was superb, particularly the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane and also the crucifixion scene at the end of the show which was highly moving.
 | | Jesus Christ Superstar |
The musical of Jesus Christ Superstar centres very much on the character of Judas, as it is through his eyes that the tale of Jesus' last seven days is portrayed. Alex Hogg, who played Judas in this production was also outstanding in both his acting and vocal performance. The third main principal performance, and probably the best of all, was Laura Shields as Mary Magdalene. Laura first came to prominence with the society four years ago when as a sixteen-year-old schoolgirl she took the Leeds audiences by storm in her portrayal of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Four years on, she has developed both vocally and dramatically and now is an extremely talented performer. Her renditions of Everything's Alright, Could We Start Again Please? (with the male chorus) and in particular I Don't Know How To Love Him received great and well-deserved applause from the audience. Many people I spoke to in the interval enthused about her rendition of I Don't Know How To Love Him and I can honestly say this is probably one of the finest vocal performances I have heard in a long time. The chorus work by both the singers and dancers was excellent, particularly from the eleven men making up the group of apostles. Their harmonies on Everything's Alright and the Last Supper numbers were excellent. Also worthy of mention were The Priests, and in particular Richard Pacsoe as Caiaphas and Nigel Dixon as Annas. Mike Porter, a long-standing performer with LAOS, made the part of Pontius Pilate his own whilst Phil Hopkins as King Herod brought a great touch of humour in the second half with his rendition of So You Are the Christ. The show is produced directed and choreographed by Louise Denison. Her direction was excellent and full use was made of the stage by principals and chorus alike. Jim Lunt, musical director for the show, also has been involved with a number of local societies around the area for many years. The band were excellent, but my one minor criticism of the whole show is that there were odd occasions when they were too loud for the principals, particularly during one or two of Kristian's numbers. Being hidden away behind the performers may have had an influence on this. I thought the set, simple but highly effective with moveable flights of steps, and an illuminated coloured triangle at the top was brilliant and plaudits must go to Andy Thompson for the design. I would highly recommend anyone who has not yet booked to get along and see this musical. You certainly won't be disappointed. Jesus Christ Superstar is at the West Yorkshire Playhouse from Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 April 2005. | 
