A SUPERB cast and inspired direction brought the best known story to life in this spectacular version of Jesus Christ Superstar at Lancaster's Grand Theatre.

Rock opera presents all kinds of problems for an amateur society, but LADOS carried off this difficult production with confidence.

Jesus was movingly portrayed by Roger Bradley whose considerable acting skills helped convey the very human emotions of fear and doubt felt by Christ in the days before the crucifixion.

The very talented Sarah Stackhouse was the cast's best singer as Mary Magdalene, as became apparent in her rendition of the hit I Don't Know How to Love Him.

The other lead actor Adam Booth, who played Judas, seemed to be plagued by sound troubles in the first act when much of his singing was drowned out by music.

In the second half he had a tendency to shout in order to compensate - making some of the lyrics incomprehensible. But he came back in style belting out the title song, Superstar, to appreciative applause.

This show is more difficult than most to bring to the stage, according to LADOS honorary Secretary Margaret Hartley.

She told the Citizen that the play has no script - just a list of songs - no stage directions and no clue as to set design.

Producer Peggy Brierley employed a scaffolding cross as the major part of the set to very good effect. Excellent choreography and an impressive chorus line, including King Herod, all added up to make it a thoroughly entertaining show.

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