REVIEW | Jesus Christ Superstar By DAODS Orchard West Theatre

"What's the buzz..."

Let us tell you what's a'happening. It’s always a pleasure to be invited to celebrate theatre at Orchard West, and even more so when it’s to witness the dedication and hard work that Dartford Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society pour into their productions. This year, they took on the iconic Jesus Christ Superstar — a timeless musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice.

The story, known to many, follows the rise of Jesus’ influence and the growing unease of Judas, who fears the escalating fame is spiralling beyond control. His betrayal sets the stage for the powerful events that follow — the rest, as they say, is history.

I had the privilege of seeing the set up close, and was struck by its sheer scale. What stood out most was how effectively the ensemble used every part of it throughout the show. The lighting design by James Shaw added a powerful intensity to key scenes, particularly through striking silhouettes of Jesus that left a lasting visual impression.

I always enjoy watching the expressions on each performer’s face in any production, and this show was no exception. The cast's dedication to their craft shone through in every moment, fuelled by a clear mix of excitement and passion.

A special mention must go to Kieran Manning in the lead role of Jesus. Taking on such a divine and demanding role is no small feat, yet he delivered it with remarkable poise and heartfelt intensity. His rendition of Gethsemane had the entire theatre hanging on his every word.

Paul Farlie took on the role of Judas and brought a powerful presence to the stage. Having played the title role 21 years ago, he clearly has a deep connection to the piece. His portrayal was filled with raw emotion and internal conflict—an absolute standout.

Our Pilate for the evening gave a commanding performance, his vocal strength alone leaving a lasting impression. We all agreed we'd love to see him in future productions.

Despite a few unexpected sound and microphone hiccups, the cast delivered a truly impressive performance. It’s easy to forget that these talented individuals perform purely for the love of it. This was a passionately delivered and thoroughly rehearsed production, and I’m excited to see what DAODS brings to the stage next.

⭐⭐⭐⭐