Sep 13

Jesus Christ Superstar Anniversary

Posted on September 13, 2012 by lebrecht

Forty years ago Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical Jesus Christ Superstar opened at the Palace Theatre in London in 1972, starring Paul Nicholas as Jesus – unique photographs were taken by Lebrecht photographer John Haynes. The musical attempts to give a modern retelling of the story of Jesus while making Judas Iscariot a tragic figure as opposed to the normal villain of the piece.

It ran for eight years and was a major box office success. If you missed it then there is a chance to see a new version – an arena tour which starts on 21 September.

Jesus Christ Superstar poster
© Lebrecht Music & Arts

Jesus Christ Superstar
© Donald Cooper/Lebrecht Music & Arts

Paul Nicholas as Jesus performing in Jesus Christ Superstar
© John Haynes/Lebrecht Music & Arts

Andrew Lloyd-Webber
© Punch Ltd/Lebrecht Music & Arts

Nov 22

Death of Playwright Michael Hastings

Posted on November 22, 2011 by lebrecht

The death is privately reported of Michael Hastings, whose 1984 account of the T S Eliot marriage, Tom and Viv, was successful in the West End, on Broadway and around the world. Photograph by Tristram Kenton shows 2006 Almeida Theatre, London production with Frances O’Connor (Vivienne) and Will Keen (Tom)