The Hereford Times

Musical casts a spell

1:14pm Friday 2nd May 2008

INSTANTLY recognisable numbers and an energetic and enthusiastic cast combine in Hereford Musical Theatre Society’s spring production to create a memorable evening.

Godspell is one of the biggest musical successes of the last 40 years, and HMCT bring to The Courtyard a production that takes full advantage of the talent of its younger singers and actors. Michael MacQueen has created a very likeable Jesus, a man whose fate we care about, and among his disciples, Sarah Richards playing Sonia, deserves to be singled out for the energy and sheer professionalism of her performance, raising many of the biggest laughs from the audience.

It is in the ensemble pieces that the show really comes alive, because, disappointingly, some of the talented, but not always amplified, soloists were quite hard to hear, though Richard Axtell’s performance of All Good Gifts was a particular highlight, and a polished tap-dancing routine was a real toe-tapper for cast and audience alike.

The upbeat mood changes dramatically in Act 2, as Judas betrays Jesus, and Michael MacQueen’s heartfelt performance ensured a moving end.

Godspell continues at The Courtyard until Saturday, May 3. To book, call the box office on 0870 1122330.