Nobody likes a snitch. And the most famous snitch of all was sensationally brought to life by the talented members of Hull Musical Theatre Company in their production of Jesus Christ Superstar, on the stage of Middleton Hall, Hull University.
The snitch in question, of course, is Judas Iscariot, who famously betrayed Jesus Christ for the princely sum of 30 pieces of silver.
As we in the audience settled into our very comfortable seats on Wednesday night, our chatter died as the lights dimmed and an amazing guitarist, on a walkway high up at the back of the stage, began to play rock, leading to the other musicians joining in, under the guidance of musical director Rebecca Barques.
As the strains of rock died away, woodwind, horn, trumpet, keyboards, percussion, guitars, bass and drums all united in bringing the most well-known tune of this production, Superstar (which I sang all the way home).
There was no need for the stage setting to vary in this production; to be honest, I was so engrossed in the actions of this amateur crew, I wouldn’t have noticed if David Beckham had cartwheeled across the stage.
I’m exaggerating, of course, but it would have been a close-run race for my attention.
The aforementioned elevated walkway consisted of metal railings from which hung huge white banners decorated with messages such as “The People’s King”, in black, supporting Jesus.
A huge lit-up cross stood proud in the centre of the walkway, its lights changing colour with every mood portrayed.
Down below, four plain structures acted as props when needed. Eight on-stage musicians completed the set-up with a further three in front of the stage – all in full view of the audience, which I love to see.
In the main, costumes were plain, loosely fitted affairs – t-shirts, trousers, dresses etc – all in muted colours for the energetic Ensemble. Later on, black apparel was worn in more threatening scenes, with gold lamé getting a look in, as well as red and silver sequins.
That’s more or less the backdrop, now for the action.
Jesus Christ Superstar was Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s first musical produced for the professional stage. First opening on Broadway in 1971, it showcases the final days of Jesus’ life leading up to his crucifixion – all seen through the eyes of King Snitch, Judas Iscariot.
David Cameron’s depiction of Judas was passionate, emotional and so believable, I found myself actually shaking my head in disgust when he uttered the words that would doom Jesus.
His singing voice (all singing voices were loud and clear on the night), was raw with angst and guilt, but still managed to be tuneful.
Jesus (Chris Barques), dressed all in white, progressed from a strong, earnest young man, believing in his convictions, to a broken shell of a man reeling from betrayal and feeling utterly abandoned by God.
Barques’ voice was simply amazing, especially when he hit the high notes, as he did very often throughout the production.
His understated acting perfectly relayed Jesus’ strength, charisma, disbelief at having so many followers, fear, love and sadness. We all know a happy ending it ain’t, and you could hear a pin drop in the audience when he was strung up on the cross, covered in blood from being lashed.
The sweetest singing voice of all belonged to Jade Easom-Samuels in her role of Mary Magdalene. Her entrance on stage always brought with it a calmness, as she mopped Jesus’ brow and sang comforting words to him.
Her rendition of I Don’t Know How To Love Him was a very special moment and merited a huge round of applause from a spell-bound audience.
No less important to this age-old story are Pontius Pilate (Lauren Saunders), disciples Peter (Luke Cardwell) and Simon (Meg Sugden); King Herod (Michelle Metcalfe), Roman High Priest, Annas (Cait Atkins) and Caiaphas (Benedict Prosser), high priest of Israel who, history has it, instigated the plot to kill Jesus.
All were outstanding in their roles. a highlight being Atkins as Annas belting out This Jesus Must Die, and Metcalfe’s be-sequinned Herod that saw her dancing and singing like a Vegas showgirl. Very amusing at times. Prosser’s deep, deep voice as Caiaphas was menace personified.
This amazing cast, aided and abetted by equally amazing musicians, brought Jesus Christ Superstar to life in such a believable way it was hard not to feel moved.
There wasn’t a dull moment and, at the show’s end, many in the audience stood to applaud a truly remarkable production.
Jesus Christ Superstar runs until July 12th at Hull University with tickets available at www.ticketsource.co.uk and info@hullmic.co.uk
Reviewer: Jackie Foottit
Reviewed: 9th July 2025
North West End UK Rating: