Jesus Christ Superstar, Durham Cathedral

I NEVER fail to be amazed when I watch members of Enter CIC perform. The Ferryhill youth theatre is far from amateur and its latest production, Jesus Christ Superstar, saw the talented youngsters excel once again. On Thursday and Friday of last week, it was only the second time the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical has been performed in a cathedral and Durham’s grand building provided an atmospheric setting for the drama to unfold. The production tells the story of the last three days of Jesus life through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. It features high octane rock music and energetic dance routines, which challenge the most experienced of performers. However, the cast members, some as young as three, were not daunted by the scale of the show and delivered an exhilarating performance well worthy of the standing ovation it received.

One thing that must be mentioned is the vocal talents of the performers, from the lead characters’ electrifying solos to the harmonious tones of the supporting cast.

It led my sister to ask: “What is it with all the amazing singers? Is there something in the water in Ferryhill?”

The performance was attended by many dignitaries including Councillor John Robinson, the Mayor of Durham, and Sue Snowden, the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham. Mrs Snowden summed it up when she said: “These young artists from County Durham were absolutely first class. To perform this piece in the magnificent setting of the Cathedral with such passion and power is a great achievement.”

Lizzie Anderson