Godspell – Cadogan Hall

Bethan Keens and members of the British Theatre Academy in Godspell at the Cadogan Hall, London. Picture: Eliza Wilmot

Godspell was performed at Cadogan Hall, London.

Watching the British Theatre Academy’s semi-staged rendition of Godspell in the lavish Cadogan Hall I was conflicted. By no means wanting to discourage the future generation of theatre performers and musical theatre stars, I agree with Whitney that children are indeed the future. But a “professional” show with tickets for sale to the public must be open to fair criticism so it’s to the adult creators that this review is levelled at.

A badly conceived and confusing staging, the fact that some tickets were priced at £75 was truly shocking. The first problem was that this 70s powerhouse of a show is shockingly difficult to present both in its setting and musical level. Hard songs, key changes and riffs accompany the dramatisation of Matthew’s Gospel. This was the theatrical version of biting off more than you can chew.

Only the fact that these stories are universally so well-known saved the show from confusion. There was no sense of vision, directing or style, other than some catchy dance numbers (thanks choreographer Thea Butler) and some rather stale attempts at comedy.

Despite all this, there were some rising stars that my fellow musical lovers must keep their eyes peeled for (although within a better-constructed piece a lot of the other cast members might have had more of a chance to flourish). Amelie Williams’ ukulele solo and clear as a bell voice was a complete revelation. Bethan Keens has a cracking voice. Zoe Forward has all the makings of a musical theatre starlet and Bradley Riches’ energy and danceability while singing was more down to talent than youthful energy. There was gold to be found within these hills but very little was done to ensure it was showcased properly.

It goes without saying that the West End stars involved were every inch the professional show people (even if the selection of different roles they played added to the disjointedness of the show). Laura Baldwin’s ‘Day by Day’ was outstanding, Rachel John transcended and Ramin Karimloo crooned with confidence. Luke Bayer, as Jesus, and Max Bowden, as Judas, tried their best to hold the piece in order, but like a runaway train there was no stopping Godspell from hurling along its chaotic course.

Gabriel Wilding