Brisbane review - Jesus Christ Superstar: an absolute must-see

By David Wilson

Lyrics by Tim Rice

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Director Timothy Sheader

Choreographer Drew McOnie

Set and Costume Design Tom Scutt

Brought to you by Crossroads Live

Now playing till 10 August 2025 at Lyric Theatre QPAC

Tickets from $69.90 at

https://qpac.com.au/whats-on/2025/jesus-christ-superstar#

https://jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au/

photo by Jeff Busby

The iconic global phenomenon, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, is now playing at QPAC with a moody and mesmerising new production that has deservedly received unprecedented acclaim and accolades during its US and UK tours, including an Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. Brisbane is the final stop on the current Australian tour, and an amazing opening night performance suggests they may well have saved their best for us!

Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, this Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR dramatises the final weeks of Jesus Christ’s life through the perspective of Judas who has become dissatisfied with the direction in which Jesus is steering his disciples and, in particular, his relationship with Mary Magdalene. The legendary score features hits like I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Gethsemane, and Superstar.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is an ambitious, novel, ‘all-sung’ rock opera that started out in 1970 as a concept album when Rice and Webber were initially unable to get financial backing for a stage production. Buoyed by the success of the album, the show opened on Broadway in 1971 and the rest, as they say, is history. Until Cats came along, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR held the record as the longest running West End musical.

Cleverly, through the rock concert like setting and delivery, the show parallels the type of mania that surrounded Jesus with that of a modern day rock star. Fittingly, the effective blending of the ancient with the modern also resonates with some of the current day developments on the world stage.

Across the board, this production is nothing short of incredible. Visually, this show is absolutely spectacular - brilliant use of symbolic imagery, wonderful lighting and special effects, unique and mesmerising choreography, cleverly contrasting costuming, and the genius touch of corded hand held microphones and guitar leads reminiscent of a rock concert all serve to transport the audience to another place and time that simultaneously feels like the here and now.

What takes this production to new heights is the amazing sound experience that is as much felt physically as it is heard. The electric guitar and bass heavy live band is simply brilliant in delivering a wall of sound, and the live guitar playing by a number of the main cast was a wonderful touch. Above all else though, this was a showcase of absolute vocal excellence from a truly incredible cast.

Michael Paynter as Jesus delivered a vocal performance that will not soon be forgotten. His nuanced performance was one for the ages, and his simply incredible delivery of Gethsemane an absolute showstopper. Incredible.

Jason King’s portrayal of Judas was outstanding, with undeniable stage presence to match his incredible vocal prowess. Outstanding.

Mahalia Barnes was wonderful as Mary Magdalene. Her rich, warm vocal tone served as the perfect tonic for Jesus, and her performance of the iconic Everything’s Alright and I Don’t Know How To Love Him were perfect.

Reuben Kaye was at his flamboyant best as Herod, with his camp and absolutely over the top performance of Herod’s Song outrageously good, bringing much needed light to a heavy text. Fabulous.

Peter Murphy as Pilate brought a brilliant heavy metal quality to the show, and Elliot Baker and John O’Hara embodied their characters Caiphas and Annas  wonderfully, with demanding gravitas and compelling vocals.

Special mention also to Graeme Isaac who’s vocals as Simon were incredible, and also to Darcey Eagle who was captivating throughout, brilliantly setting the energy of the production.

Director Timothy Sheader and the creative team have totally nailed this production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR which, by any measure, is an absolute must-see!!