Not only does the Brickhouse’s Jesus Christ Superstar rediscover a classic West End production but it also seeks to revive the Brickhouse itself – Robinson College’s theatre company. The play is themed around the inevitable, and with this the atmosphere remains dark and at points tense. The sense of determinism is felt from each of the main characters, as the plot builds momentum and the show moves forward at a quickened pace. Excitement feels the first half, whereas tension and suspense drive the second, eventually catalysing into an explosive conclusion.

The audience are kept on edge throughout the show, a sign that the acting from the cast was compelling and sincere. Actor Jamie Ewing put authenticity into the character Jesus. His vulnerability is seen on stage, and is exposed to Judus, played by James Martin, who also provokes raw emotions – jealously, anger, and ambition - which intensify the atmosphere of the play. Judas’s motives are questioned: is he ‘pure evil’? His endeavour to do the right thing and enact a form of social justice adds a different dimension to the role, and makes the character all the more engaging.  Meanwhile, the play seeks to reinvent and subvert the classic version of the play. For example, Caiaphas is played by Clara Le Gargasson – a gender role reversal which works a treat.

Furthermore, the play is also able to connect with the audience effectively. The Robinson Auditorium itself makes a great space for setting a play, the direction of Jesus Christ Superstar from Sam Holmes meant that even the seating makes a difference – compared to the ADC, Robinson’s tiered seating enabled the audience to participate in the show – with actors and actresses using the space effectively throughout the play. Despite a smaller budget than ADC plays, even the actor’s bodies are part of the set at points – creating a more simplistic setting allowed the audience a chance to use their imagination. I thought this was highly innovative and combined with the captivating acting, provided a sense of realism to the famous musical. Similarly, the band also becomes a conscious part of the performance – this is extremely effective, for the music of Jesus Christ Superstar is by far one of the play’s best features. With the band involved in the cast too, there is an instant connection between music and acting; even Mr Lloyd Webber himself would be interested to see it.

Jesus Christ Superstar at the Brickhouse provides an alternative angle to the West End stage production, whilst it is stripped down the acting draws emotion and the talented musicians and singers had the audience in full swing. Between the actors, stage and audience an intimate connection was made, something truly special and unique to the Brickhouse auditorium. As the play finished, a new sense of optimism was injected into the future of the Brickhouse. Of course the play wasn’t a perfect production, it may have been lacking special effects or an expensive set but most importantly the play marked a new beginning for Robinson theatre. As director Sam Holmes commented, ‘the Brickhouse is now a force to be reckoned with’ and after watching Jesus Christ Superstar, the play has certainly proven this. Jesus Christ Superstar revived not only an old classic, but gave new life to Robinson theatre production.