Godspell

Pavilion Theatre, Gorleston

Godspell burst upon the Gorleston Pavilion theatre stage, the lively brightly-dressed cast in their funky clothes retelling the stories of St Matthew's Gospel in a humorous upbeat manner with mime, vaudeville and dance, while the clever lyrics of the catchy songs seized everyone's imagination.

Jesus is portrayed in trainers, T-shirt and Chinos by the lovable Stephen Amer and takes as his disciples the cast who appear at the outset as a confused, dysfunctional group.

Many of the parables recounted in St Matthew's Gospel are re-enacted in Godspell, The Parable of the Sower, The Parable of the Good Samaritan and The Prodigal Son included. The 10 Commandments and the Beatitudes are also a part of the text.

The many memorable songs include God Save the People from Despair, Day by Day, Bless the Lord and of course the well loved Prepare Ye.

The second half of the production portrays the Last Supper followed by the Passion and the Death of Jesus. This very emotional part of the show is sensitively and carefully handled, with Matthew Canwell taking the part of Judas Iscariot.

Godspell is an apt choice for Holy Week.

The orchestra, under the direction of Krista Ribbons, provides excellent musical accompaniment while the Pit Singers enhance the melodic line in certain numbers.

Lighting effects are excellent and the auditorium is used to optimum advantage.

The skilful director is Lisa Amer.