Jesus Christ Superstar

Photo: Andy Abbott

Review by Michelle Denny.

There are some theatres that become part of the show before a single note is played, and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds is absolutely one of them. Quirky, full of character, and with that gorgeous intimacy that reminded me of the Globe - the audience feels close to the action in a way that bigger venues just can't replicate. I'll be honest, I did wonder whether ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ - a show I've had in my top five musicals my whole life - could work in a space like this. But from the moment it started, those worries completely disappeared.

What really got me was the band. They weren't quite an orchestra, weren't quite a band - somewhere in between, and absolutely fabulous. They were visible on stage the whole time, part of the performance rather than stuck away in a pit. And the music was real. Live, funky, brilliant.

Photo: Andy Abbott

The whole production was set in modern times: modern dress, mobile phones, people photographing the crucifixion. It could have felt gimmicky but it didn't.

Three people really stood out. Jesus (Connor Love-Foster) was quiet and dignified - understated in places, which I actually loved. Mary Magdalene (Asha Ray) was fantastic and genuinely brought a tear to my eye when she was sobbing towards the end. But Judas (Adam Bonner), he started with such a strong voice and ended with such a strong voice, but in the middle it was like it was straining. I remember thinking: oh, is his voice going? But actually, looking back, I think that was the point. It was showing the absolute torture that character was going through. Really, really clever.

And it wasn't just those three. The supporting cast were brilliant - such a diverse ensemble on stage, every single one of them fully committed. Strong individually but even stronger together, and with an energy that never dropped for the whole show.

One of the moments that got the biggest reaction from the audience was when the money was pinged via phone to Judas, rather than handed over in a bag of gold. That really struck a chord with me. Smart without trying too hard.

The scaffolding at the back was used brilliantly too. For most of the show there was a screen on it showing video footage that filled in the background of what was happening, which was such a clever way of working around a smaller stage.

Photo: Andy Abbott

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ isn't everybody's cup of tea - it's a musical AND a rock opera, and I did notice one or two people in the audience who perhaps hadn't quite known what they were coming to see. But my advice? Go in with an open mind. Enjoy the intimacy of this gorgeous, quirky little theatre - one that we really should be supporting locally - and just enjoy it for what it is.

I thought it was fabulous. I'd go and see it again tomorrow.

Jesus Christ Superstar is at Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds until 16 May 2026.

FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE