Wednesday 17 March 2004—Saturday 20 March 2004

It is the week before Easter in Jerusalem. Christ and his disciples have ridden triumphant through the streets and Jesus has been hailed as a popular hero. But there are divisions within the movement. Like contemporary activist groups arguing over strategy. Jesus, and his disciples are having trouble deciding where to go from here. Judas, in the song “Heaven on their Minds”, conveys some of these doubts, revealing himself a sincere man who feels that Jesus has begun to accept image as reality. Jesus is equally torn about what to do next. In “Everything’s Alright”, Mary Magdalene attempts to soothe him. Later, when Jesus and his followers appear in public, the crowd shouts “Hosanna”. The Priests, King Herod and the Romans, who control Jerusalem, however, see Jesus as a threat.

Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor, has a dream. In it Christ appears after having been accused by a room full of angry men. The politics of the situation are lost to Mary Magdalene, a very ordinary woman, who admits “I don’t know how to love him”. Meanwhile Judas, convinced that Christ should be struck down before he becomes intoxicated with power, makes a deal with the priests. At The Last Supper Jesus tells his disciples that the end is not far off and predicts his betrayal. After the meal, he moves out alone into “Gethsemane” to meditate. Jesus, knowing what is ahead, shows the indecision which has bothered Pilate. Eventually, resigned to die, he accepts Judas’ kiss of betrayal.

As the Priests and the soldiers lead Jesus away, a servant confronts Peter “You were with that man they took away”, she says. Three times Peter denies it. The following day Jesus is brought before the Roman Governor, Pilate, who refers him to King Herod. Herod in turn passes the case back to Pilate, who admits that he finds no fault in the Superstar, but gives in to the mob’s demands for a crucifixion. As the mob which so recently hailed him, turns on him, Christ hears the voice of Judas “Superstar”.

Principal Cast

Mary Magdalene
Gillian Stewart
Jesus
Gary Redmond
Judas
Ian McKenzie
Peter
Philip Lawlor
King Herod
Allan Ayre
Pilate
Ian Stewart
Caiaphas
Scott McKenzie
Anna
Gregor Porterfield
Simon Zealotes
Kevin Scullion
Priest
Stuart Lauder
Priest
Kevin Shiach

Chorus

Children

Production Staff

Director
Frank J. Hotchkiss
Musical Director
Douglas G. H. Rolland
Choreographer
Helen M Harris
Rehearsal Accompanist
George Inwood
Wardrobe
Margaret Coates
Wardrobe
Susan Stewart
Makeup
Nancy Clark
Lighting & Sound
Moray Coull
Lighting Operator
Heather Bain
Programme Compilation
Anne Shaw
Programme Compilation
Carla Valentini
Programme Designs
Gillian Stewart
Front of House Manager
Anne Shaw

Crew

Stage Manager
Carla Valentini
Assistant Stage Manager
Jamie Stewart
Stage Crew
Fiona Burrows
Stage Crew
Neil Grant
Stage Crew
Gary Knox
Stage Crew
Eddie McCann
Stage Crew
Gordon McKerracher
Stage Crew
Alan Third
Follow Spot
David Wilson
Follow Spot
Stuart Douglas