By Kat Ronson.
Before reading Kat's review listen to our exclusive preview of the production on the
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When entering the barn I was unsure of what to expect. Not being religious in the slightest, the
prospect of watching a musical about Christianity very much scared me. So let
me begin by saying, I enjoyed it so much I watched it twice. Godspell brought
stories from the Bible with simple lessons behind them that everyone can
identify with, combined with beautiful songs. It is in the name, it is in the
script, in the songs…but for me, this play wasn’t about god. For me, it was
about feeling part of something that far surpassed my doubts on religion.
One of the ways they made me feel included, despite my
lacking of a religious orientation, is by having the play set in a prison. “He
who is faultless shall cast the first stone”, are wise words said by Alistair
Kerr (Jesus) and is a moral that was resonant through the entire play, having
the ensemble playing less-than-perfect prisoners, all dressed in orange boiler
suits. Each character of the ensemble first
appeared on the stage talking to their self, representing opinions
similar to my own, but still later joined in the gleeful singing, dancing and
story-telling. This automatically made me feel assured that I wouldn’t be
spending two hours being preached to. This is to the credit of director, Anna
Czornyj.
There were moments of sheer brilliance where the feeling of
inclusion was over-whelming and, I feel a little silly saying this
but…emotional. A key example of this was when Richard Spears sang “All Good
Gifts”. The beauty of this was not in the energetic dancing and clapping like
much of the show, as the cast sat cross-legged in a circle for the number. Nor
was it in Spears’ singing, which was simply stunning. But it was the emotion
and joy conveyed in Spears’ entire being that made this song sparkle; pure
magic.
The entire cast were hugely talented. Ryan Hall entered
singing the opening number “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord”. His singing was at
times shaky, but his characterisation of John the Baptist, and later Judas, was
totally captivating. Hall & Kerr were the perfect double act. Their
chemistry was so clear and infectious, providing the audience with so many
comic moments. Their duet “All for the Best” was a joy to watch, with the duo
dancing in unison. Though, it has to be said, the ensemble out-sung the duo on
many occasions.
It is difficult to pick out particular performances from the
ensemble, as they all worked together and complimented each other beautifully.
They should all be commended for their impeccable characterisations and
devising the characters themselves. One person that did stand out to me was
Edith Kirkwood. Her individual characterisation, I felt had been thought
through the most. She also had many of the toughest harmonies, and
consequently, I am able to confirm she has a ferocious set of lungs.
To sum up Godspell in a word. Utterly fabulous? Ok,
two…completely, utterly fabulous and uplifting. Five? There are too many words
and I cannot explain the joy I felt when watching the production (and taking to
the stage at the end of the first act). I have been singing “We Beseech Thee”
and “Day by Day” in the shower every day since seeing the show. Try and see a
production of it, buy the soundtrack or listen to the songs…just do something!
This musical is to be shared. My soundtrack is making its way to me in the
post, and I am scrolling west end dates. It is official. I am totally in love
with Godspell.
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