Stephen Schwartz is currently riding high on Broadway and in London with the show Wicked, for which he wrote the music and lyrics. Therefore, this production offers audiences a timely opportunity to encounter for the first time or be reunited with one of his early successes.

Religious drama has been around ever since the medieval mystery plays but had to wait until 1971 to be presented as a musical. In that year Godspell opened, as did Jesus Christ Superstar.

Godspell told the story of Jesus through the Gospel According To St Matthew and did so in a very simple way, reflecting the culture of the time with its emphasis on the hippy movement and flower-power children.

The teachings and parables were enacted in carnival style with rock songs and gentle ballads.

The current, highly energetic production has been updated with many topical references and is played in pantomime style with slapstick, puns and plenty of audience participation. There are moments of inspired lunacy but there are also times when the humour does not come off.

The use of a prologue with members of the cast quoting and singing the thoughts of philosophers and writers on the subject of religion is a misguided mess, with the artists having to struggle against an over-loud band.

A hard working cast is led by Tom Bradley as the Jesus figure. He sings well and shows a neat touch for comedy in All For The Best, a jaunty music hall-type number. For this he is joined by Craig Purnell, whose comic talent is amply demonstrated throughout the show.

As the story reaches the Last Supper the mood changes as comedy ceases and the subsequent events in the Garden Of Gethsemane and on Calvary are presented in a gentle and moving way.

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