Jesus Christ Superstar review: Resurrection of classic musical is incredible at Hall for Cornwall

There's no denying the evergreen power of many of the songs in Jesus Christ Superstar, but so many productions hark back to its early '70s heyday that it can often feel quaint and slightly queasily "rock opera". That's what I was expecting with this revival of Regent's Park Open Air Theatre's 2016 production, but hosanna! it's been resurrected brilliantly for the 21st century.

This is a production which drags Jesus Christ and his followers, and oppressors, into a modern setting without the awkward element updated shows often have. So the long-haired, benign sex god that Jesus is often portrayed as in the Tim Rice / Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is now an angsty, short-haired guitarist, who looks like he's missed a turning into the X Factor finals.

Pontius Pilate is a leather clad alt-rock star whose Pilate's Dream is more akin to confessional contemporary singers like John Grant than Paul Nicholas knocking them dead in the West End, while the robes of yore are replaced by baggy-crotched sweatpants. It's stark, like its oppressive stage set, and all the more affecting for it.

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It's easy to forget Jesus Christ Superstar started as an album, which topped the American charts, well before it was turned into a stage show. This version uses that as its basis, so the cast are more like chart stars playing to an adoring - and critical - audience. Musical apparatus, such as mics, stands and amps are cleverly used throughout as props, while the demise of the Son of God could easily be read as some pop star getting the cancel culture treatment on X/Twitter (but with a slightly worse outcome, I grant you).

This is a big production - a live band (there are some wonderful guitar freakouts) hides in the shadows above the cast, which features a large ensemble of dancers/singers as well as the main players. I have to say the leads are incredible - just come for the vocal performances if nothing else.

Ian McIntosh is sensitive boy band Jesus, but with a voice you'd never hear in 5ive. Gethsemane - a song I'd refer haters of musicals to as a reason to love them - is always a high point, but Ian's version was truly incredible; emotive without being overwrought, and those high notes!

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The character of Judas is the centre of the show - the last days of Jesus are seen through his eyes following Judas' betrayal. Shem Omari James is a star we haven't heard of yet - his vocals run the gamut from jazzy and soulful to wired and almost heavy metal. He brings the show to life from the off with Heaven On Their Minds while his reprisal of I Don't Know How To Love Him is as mesmerising and brittle as prime Jeff Buckley.

The latter song, always a hushed highlight, is sung beautifully by Hannah Richardson as Mary Magdalene, whose Could We Just Start Again, Please? is also an arresting moment. Ryan O'Donnell makes a great Pilate while Timo Tatzber's few minutes on stage during Herod's Song are unforgettable - high camp at its best, and you'll still be feeling Jad (Caiaphas) Habchi's sonorous bass in your stomach for days to come.

The final scene (spoiler alert: you realise Jesus gets crucified, right?) is done particularly well. It will stun you like the rest of the show. Just see it.

Jesus Christ Superstar runs until Saturday, May 4 at the Hall for Cornwall in Truro. See the website for tickets.