IT takes a brave man to try to outshine the Son of God, but that is just what Jon Boydon did in last night's performance of Jesus Christ Superstar at The Mayflower.
Boydon, who only came into the musical at the last minute after Jamie Fox pulled out with illness, stole the show with a performance that brilliantly captured the pain and agony of Judas Iscariot.
Emma Dears, playing Mary Magdalene, was just as moving in her portrayal of Jesus's closest female friend, though Glenn Carter's depiction of Christ did seem a little cold at times.
Only in the final scenes of the crucifixion did he relate the anguish faced by Jesus to the audience. His singing too was a little annoying at times, unlike Boydon, who led the way with a virtuoso vocal display.
The romantic tension between Mary Magdalene and Jesus Christ ached with melancholy throughout, while the hilariously camp-looking King Herod brought a smile to everyone's face, with his Moulin Rouge-esque cabaret in front of the condemned Son of God.
The story of Jesus Christ might be the oldest one in the world, but Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's encapsulating rock opera means it will be around for a long time yet.
Do not miss it!
Jesus Christ Superstar runs until February 5 at The Mayflower. Tickets from £17.50. Box office:023 8071 1811.
Noel Davies
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