BSEODS returns to stage with classic musical

Photo by Andy Abbott.

What’s the buzz? The Bury St Edmunds Operatic and Dramatic Society (BSEODS) returns to Theatre Royal in May, with their modern take on the classic musical, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’.

Originally created by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, the timeless rock opera follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life, telling the universally-known story entirely through song and - usually - through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Now iconic, the 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as: ‘Superstar’, ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’ and ‘Gethsemane’.

While keeping the integrity of the original show, the director for the BSEODS production, Sarah Brodie, brings it into the 21st Century to make it relevant to the world we live in today. Her interpretation is based on the story’s parallel with today’s ‘Cult of Celebrity’, and the way that social media information/misinformation can both fuel this phenomenon and facilitate ‘cancel culture’.

The ensemble view everything as if it’s media consumption; like they’re being ‘influenced’. This will take us through key story beats, from Jesus being a ‘viral sensation’, to him becoming the reluctant face of a rebellion, to the beginnings of his downfall and finally to his ultimate betrayal, trials and death.

Social media - and the soundbites and ‘clickbait’ that go along with it - will feature onstage throughout the production.

Photo by Andy Abbott.

Sarah says: “This is going to be an exciting, dramatic and fast-paced show, which will rely heavily on technical elements and acting to tell the story to our audiences.”

Alongside Sarah, the cast have been under the expert tutelage of Musical Director Graham (Gaz) Brown, who has focused on bringing out the rock opera style while also keeping voices safe and healthy during this demanding production.

Meanwhile, choreographer Abigail Love Longworth has brought a freshness and energy to the dance numbers that blends seamlessly with the concept of the show.

Jesus Christ Superstar was the first musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber to be produced for the professional stage, and it has wowed audiences for over fifty years. This new production by BSEODS brings it right up to date and offers an exciting chance to see a classic in a new light.

Jesus Christ Superstar is at Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds on 12 - 16 May 2026.

FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE