Member Article

Students bring Jesus Christ Superstar to the college stage

Musical fans are in for a treat as performing arts students at Stockton Riverside College prepare to tackle one of their biggest shows yet.

The musical theatre crew are bringing the West End hit Jesus Christ Superstar to the college’s Margaret Armstrong Theatre.

And with Wildcats of Kilkenny frontman Mike McGrother taking a lead as musical director, the college’s course leader for musical theatre and show director, Sara Durkin, says audiences can expect something extra special.

“This is such a powerful show that is incredibly demanding on our students,” said Sara. “It is a rock opera which means it is all singing, but with rehearsals going strong we know our students can deliver.”

Of performing alongside a live band, including musician Mike, she said: “It will raise the bar to another level for our students. This is an amazing opportunity and one that even professional performers don’t usually get until much further into their careers.”

Mike added: “It is a wonderful experience to be working with the students. Their energy, ability, commitment and spirit encapsulate everything that is great about our community.”

Heading up the cast, in the roles of Judas and Jesus, are students James Wilkinson-Jones and Louis Wood, from Hartlepool. Both have secured places at Arts Educational Schools London Musical Theatre, one of the top stage schools in the country.

They, along with the college’s 40-strong cast and nine handpicked schoolchildren, have been given as close to a professional experience as possible with masterclasses from West End stage performer Ross Hunter and choreographer Daniel Todd, both former Stockton Riverside College performing arts students themselves.

“It is always fantastic to see former students visiting the college and working with our current learners,” said Sara. “It shows them what is possible and makes everything that bit more real.”

Of the show choice, Sara said: “We wanted something that would stretch and challenge the students. As well as being physically demanding it is also quite emotionally challenging due to the serious issues raised. We wanted to choose a show that would be educational and this one has really got the students thinking about their own beliefs and those of other religions.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Marie Turbill .