RICHARD PARR There was no denying the power and the glory in this charismatic production based on the St Matthew's Gospel.

RICHARD PARR

There was no denying the power and the glory in this charismatic production based on the St Matthew's Gospel.

The show at the Angles Theatre, which was presented by BTEC National Diploma Performing Arts students from the town's Isle College, was remarkable on a number of levels – not least because of unforseen circumstances, it was rehearsed and brought to the stage in three weeks. The students had completed rehearsals for Jesus Christ Superstar, but because of problems with performing rights it was abandoned at the last minute.

The direction and choreography was in the talented hands of Adrian Bell (regular Angles audiences will remember his award-winning performance in the title role of Billy Liar last year). On Wednesday, he played Judus opposite Giles Maythan's Jesus as the bibical stories unfolded in dynamic and humorous style. The 30-strong cast displayed an enthusiasm belying their age and limited stage experience.

No one in the capacity audience could fail to have been caught up in the intensity of this fast-moving tapestry of music and dance.

Set in modern times, the show is performed on two levels with scaffolding and ladders.

After songs such as Save the People, Learn Your Lessons Well and On the Willows, we suddenly found ourselves at the Last Supper (bags of crisps and bottles of Coke replacing the bread and wine) and the final act of betrayal. The stunning crucifixion scene moved both chorus and audience to tears. A remarkable performance which will long live on in the hearts of those fortunate to witness it.