Jesus Christ Superstar at new arts centre in High Wycombe (From Bucks Free Press)

Jesus Christ Superstar at new arts centre in High Wycombe

4:27pm Thursday 26th May 2011 in News By Rebecca Cain

FOR the first production at the new arts centre in Desborough Road Jesus Christ Superstar fits the bill perfectly and will give a lasting impression on whoever goes to see it.

For WYSPAS latest production pushes the boundaries in all different ways from the way the audience follows the action around the church to the gritty and dramatic scenes towards the end.

Almost everyone knows the story as it follows the last week of Jesus' life and focuses on the struggle between Jesus and Judas Iscariot. There is a cast of about 30 and I have to say I was mightily impressed by the brilliant voices and the powerful acting.

Reuben Smith has a fantastic voice as Jesus as does Kimberley Smith who plays Mary Magdalene.

Damian Solesse really steals the show though with his angry and passionate portrayal of Judas, ending in a very dark and disturbing end.

But it is the difference of the production which makes this show so great. The audience are encouraged to get out of their seats and mingle with the actors.

Admittedly at first I was reluctant to get up but I did in the second half and I have to say it makes it so much better- you really feel part of the action and get heavily involved in the storyline, as the actors sing their hearts out next to you.

Another unusual aspect is there will be a different Herod every night after the group launched a search on the internet.

Last night Matt Fowler played a camp, sophisticated Herod sparking laughter for some light relief.

The ending is very dark but very moving and you could hear a pin drop at the end before there was rapturous applause.

The Arts4Every1 Centre, which has recently opened in the former St John's Church, is a beautiful setting and I can see it is going to be a very popular spot.

Performances will be at 7.45pm each night until Saturday, May 28, with a matinee on Saturday at 2.45pm. Tickets are available on the door, or for further details go to www.wyspas.info.

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