Stephen Gately in Godspell

Godspell (tour)
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Date Reviewed: 25 September 2007
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Many musicals stand the test of time, entertaining generations decades later but the rock musical always seems to be frozen in time in the 1970's. One such show is Godspell, which began life as an improvised workshop based on the gospels; quite a hard sell in 2007 which is why former Boyzone star, Stephen Gately is on board as Jesus. Cue lots of pop fans, ready to enjoy to a show they may normally bypass.

It's a shame then that the 'star' they have come to see is dressed in a jacket and jeans, resembling the young shy boy from East Is East; you know the one who refuses to take off his parker? Gately has a nasally quality to his voice but much more power than you remember. This is all undone though by his willingness to be completely upstaged by his co star Ryan Molloy. This brilliant scene stealer plays John the Baptist and Judas and it is very hard to take your eyes off him. Displaying a genuine knack for comedy, exuding charm throughout with great vocals to boot, he leaves Gately's Jesus standing in the wings, looking bemused.

The overall tone of the piece has now been remixed for a modern audience. This means that you are left with a dated concept filled with contemporary references to everything from Judge Judy to Northern Rock. This starts off refreshing but ends up being annoying as it does make you feel emotionally detached from the proceedings, come the denouement.

The show literally springs into life during the gospel numbers. "Day By Day" is the most well known song in the show and in Sharon Cherry Ballard's capable hands, it remains an enduring classic. The ensemble work very well together and the whole cast epitomise the term team, feeding off each other at every turn. The track, "By My Side" has some beautiful harmonies and they are highlighted by these superb singers.

The meaning behind the show feels slightly muddled as Paul Kerryson directs the piece in such a confused manner, trying to have his cake and eat it. It ends up being part sermon, part rock musical with contemporary swipes thrown in to appeal to the masses.

Ultimately though, Jesus plays second fiddle to Judas, as Molloy is a star in waiting, and he is a godsend when the show falters.

- Glenn Meads

Reader Reviews

Score	Comment	Date
	Hilarious production. Amazing actors, I especially liked Yildiz. Well done! - Anonymous	21 Oct 07
	Sorry. Wrong star rating. - Sarah C	01 Oct 07
	What a load of rubbish. i saw the show in Manchester and found it really depressing. Godspell is a great show, but this production looked so cheap you would not believe it. And what happened to the music? It sounded so dated. And the lighting had no sensitivity at all. The whole thing was bad and unless you seriously like Stephen Gately, save your money. - Sarah C	01 Oct 07
	I saw the opening night in Manchester and quite liked it. Never seen Godspell before but the songs were good. Gately held it together well, great voice, but I do agree about Judas over acting. It was a young cast but they all seemed really professional. Worth seeing. - Stevie B	26 Sep 07
	I absoultely loved the show, it was very entertaining and very funny. I hope to see him again in another show, next year. Love that man. - Catherine Somerville	26 Sep 07
	This poor production is nothing but an excuse to try and make some cash. And on the afternoon I endured it, it didn't even succeed on that level. Paul Kerryson's dated, badly paced, poorly judged production echoed round the empty, cavernous Palace Manchester. The whole thing felt cheap and nasty. Stephen Gately simply can't act. And isn't a draw anymore. He looks uncomfortable and truly at sea. Ryan Malloy as Judas has all the comic sensibilities of a juggernaut - his prolonged ad-libbing (met by bemused silences) were self indulgent, inappropriate and just not funny. Kerryson himself played this part 20 years ago and was genuinely funny. He clearly hasn't communicated his vision of the role well enough to a performer who is in serious need of direction. The rest of the cast are young and enthusiastic (happy to be in work). they put in good work but personalities don't shine through. Except for the young Welsh lad. And someone has got to tell them that there are different volume variants other than really, really bloody loud. By My Side was sung like a football chant. The music generally was badly directed and sounded very 80's. In trying to give the piece a contemporary feel, Kerryson has succeeded in wringing it dry of it's charm. But then, for something that is nothing but a hollow piece of commercial tat - what do you expect. - Steve C	26 Sep 07

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