WHEN this show was first penned, Jesus in a pair of combat trousers just wouldn't have washed.

But now, this modern dress version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic adds a new dimension to the old favourite.

Lyricist Tim Rice is often left in the shadow of musical maestro Lloyd Webber, but without the words, any kind of poignancy to the story of the last seven days of in the life of Jesus Christ (or JC as his lovingly referred to) would have been lost.

The show got off to a slow start in the first act and the performances seemed a bit flat, but as the cast became more relaxed things picked up pace. And by the time the second act hit the stage, things were well and truly rocking.

The performance from star of the show Jesus of Nazareth Glenn Carter engaged the audience as he sang Jesus's swan song Gethsemane with real emotion and passion.

Belted

The basic stage layout kept the audience's eye firmly on the cast as they belted their way through the songs with real clout.

It would be hard to single out any member of the cast for praise, but both Judas Iscariot played by Ben Goddard and Mary Magdalene by Golda Rosheuvel shone under the bright lights.

A tongue-in-cheek, lights-flashing and leather-clad dancing performance from King Herod raised the most laughs of the night, expertly executed by Nathan Harmer.

The climax of the show had to be the crucifixion. You could almost feel the pain and a few members of the audience shed a tear.

Some might say that this supped-up version of the old show means it has lost some of its effect, but the new interpretation by director Gale Edwards has brought things up to speed. A "new" production well worth a look at. LOUISE TANSEY

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