Jesus Christ Superstar
This is yet another treat of a production from the Watermill Theatre! Superbly directed by Paul Hart, this version of Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar is full of light and shade, both literally and symbolically. The story we all know, very cleverly shows the conflict, and the sinister scheming and politics at play.
The show was first performed in 1971, after its 1970 concept album, but this production makes it seem fresh and vibrant and very relevant to the modern audience, whilst still respecting its origins.
This production is in the setting of a gothic style church, complete with candles which are used really well to set the mood. The cast are largely in modern dress. The stage is stunning and very cleverly employed to ensure that every inch of this beautiful theatre is used to full effect. More of that later.
This is another of the Watermill’s actor-musician shows, and they really do them so well. Having seen the last three summer shows, I can confirm they are absolute experts at staging these.
And what about the cast? Michael Kholwadia is a charismatic, broody, mesmerising Jesus. He is vocally very strong, and it is easy to see how he attracts his followers. His Gethsemane was particularly strong. Also very strong was Max Alexander-Taylor as Judas, and in the second half especially, he knocked it out of the park! His death scene, was extremely well acted and directed, and showed his turmoil most movingly.
Parisa Shahmir as Mary gives an absolutely stunning performance, with some beautiful vocals as well as guitar - and drums - playing. Hers is a very sensitive interpretation. It was a very natural performance, and her renditions of Everything’s Alright and I Don’t Know How to Love Him are as good as I have ever heard.
Christian Edwards as Pilate is also superb, as is Olugbenga Adelekan as Caiaphas. Alexander Zane as Annas, (as well as onstage musical director) completes the trio of sinister high priests.
The whole cast were all excellent, but special mention should also go to Samuel Morgan-Grahame, who as evil Herod brought some temporary light relief albeit, deeply unpleasant, very well assisted by the ensemble in some ‘fierce’ costumes!
I stated earlier that the Watermill were using every inch of their space and that includes the beautiful gardens. Before the show, you can eat in their lovely restaurant, enjoy a drink in the bar and gardens and even have a choice of delicious snacks and light meals in the gardens. No loaves and fishes though!
But as well as that, the fantastic front of house team are efficiently directing you to the right entrance, all for good reason. The show starts inside. But after the interval, we move to the gardens, here to be the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Last Supper. A beautiful round space with benches, cushions and blankets, complete with fire pit, makes us, the audience part of the last supper. Another example of using the grounds ingeniously was the reappearance of the high priests, which is very memorable. The outside scene lasts around 15 minutes and the theatre do have a poor weather contingency.
The soldiers instruct the audience - assisted efficiently by the front of house team - back into the theatre. As we file in, we see Jesus, kneeling, and bound, centre stage, guarded by the soldiers. Having moved from the beautiful gardens, complete with the sound of running water and birdsong, the contrast of the darkness of the stage, with the 39 lashes, followed by Superstar, and then the crucifixion scenes are so stark. These three scenes are all amazingly directed and performed. And very very moving. They also make very good use of projections on the back wall, and the lashes scene is really very effective. I also liked the design of the Temple/casino.
Three years on from cruelly losing their Arts Council funding, the Watermill have continued to show they are at the top of their game. This production is a vibrant, exciting, innovative production with a superb cast of actor-musicians, a great set, excellent lighting and strong choreography that fills but doesn’t overwhelm the intimate space.
This is a truly unmissable production. I am already planning to return!
This show was reviewed on the 15th July 2025 at the Watermill Theatre, Berkshire where it runs until the 21st September 2025. Buy your tickets here: Jesus Christ Superstar | Watermill Theatre
Review written by Ruth Hawkins
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Photo credit : Pamela Raith
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