home
|
about
|
news
|
contents
|
gossip
|
photographs
|
venues
|
brighton
|
dublin
|
edinburgh
|
film
|
features
|
interviews
|
awards
|
fashion
|
recipes
|
no more drinks
|
newsletter
|
links
|
contact
Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Godspell
Verdict: High energy Jesus story
Edinburgh 06 - Sweet ECA – 3-20 Aug 06 - 19:30 (21:15)
A spotlit male figure faces upstage. The words are the opening of a medieval mystery play about the power of God the Creator.
Philosophers in black rush from the rear of the auditorium. Each philosophy is distinct. Together they become a meaningless babble. The singing is attacked with confidence and good intonation.
John the Baptist (Jamie Morris) sings Prepare Ye The Way. There is immediate irony and humour as the philosophers are seen off. When Jesus (Oliver Harris) sings Save The People, he does not immediately convince. His presence does not fill the stage with enough authority.
The rest of the cast (Sam Carter-Bown, Amy Dowd, Oliver Gately, Victoria Glover, Sophie Graham, Sam Harrison, Abi Hood, Hannah Korsgen) return in colourful clothes – as disciples, sceptics, Pharisees and people in parables. The only characters that are distinguishable are Jesus, John and Judas (Jamie Morris).
Through the parables - played out as charades, ventriloquism and acted stories - the ensemble proves its worth. Each move, each physicalisation, has a touch of irony and pantomime. Day By Day, Learn Your Lessons Well, Bless The Lord, blend into the action and high-energy dancing. All The Best is presented as a 1920s show song; and the parable of the sower as if performed by young children.
Pictures and words projected on to a black back-cloth are mostly too faint to see.
The parables continue too long. This is the fault of the original writing, and a cut would be useful.
The Light Of The World builds to an impressive climax with strobe lighting and whirling fluorescent balls. Turn Back, O Man has couples frozen in questionable poses. The singing is not sleazy enough.
As the teachings of Jesus continue, knowing use is made of modern references from film and popular culture. So Let The One Who Is Faultless Cast The First Stone is acted-out by a group of guilt-ridden rednecks.
The story continues to betrayal and crucifixion. By My Side has a powerful and gentle sorrow. Finally the body of Christ is impressively carried at arms-length above the heads of the cast.
This Godspell achieves a good balance between its 1970s origins and more modern imagery. The musicians and the ensemble singing are full of wonder and joy. Jesus could be stronger in voice and authority. His was not the only voice to crack by the end of the show – the cast may need care to conserve energy, so that the standard of performance remains high to the end of the run.. The high physical activity and inventiveness is amazing.
Cast Credits (alpha order) : Lamar - Sam Carter Bown. Sonia - Amy Dowd. Herb - Oliver Gately. Joanne - Victoria Glover. Peggy - Sophie Graham. Jesus - Oliver Harris. Jeffrey - Sam Harrison. Gilmer - Abi Hood. Robin - Hannah Korsgen. John the Baptist/Judas - Jamie Morris.
Company Credits : Frances Collin - Director. Rajiv Nathwani - Assistant Director. Jon Ranger - Musical Director. Jackie Buckley, Sam Harrison, Abi Hood - Choreography. Daniel Langley - Press and Publicity. Rajiv Nathwani - Costume Design. Ridi Andrews / Steven Hackshaw (alternate nights), Rajiv Nathwani - Technical Operators. Stephen Schwartz - Music and Lyrics. Musicians: Jon Ranger - Keyboard 1. Ridi Andrews / Steven Hackshaw (alternate nights) - Keyboard 2. Ryan Griffiths - Bass. Tim Murray - Drums. Tim Ranger - Guitar. Company - RP Theatre Company (www.rptheatre.co.uk)
END
(c) Peter Andrews 2006
reviewed 7 Aug 7 06 / Sweet ECA
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2011
