Godspell

As teenagers in the late 1960s and early 1970s, we read bible stories in modern English from ‘Good News for Modern Man’, singing folk and pop styled religious songs at church fellowship. Small surprise that soft rock musical Godspell, based on The Gospel According to St. Mathew, with its gentle narratives, resonated then. That mix continues to engage audiences today.

At the heart of Godspell are stories and parables that have been told for 2000 years, combined with storytelling traditions which go back to our earliest ancestors, so its gentle, often witty narratives, combined with some fun updated references and audience participation, work nicely in the hands of an ensemble of performers committed to telling those tales.

Lane Cove Theatre has just such an enthusiastic, well-balanced community theatre cast, animated and lively throughout, entering joyously into the spirit of the range of storytelling techniques chosen by director Christine Firkin. They generally find the exact energy level to comfortably fill, yet not overwhelm, the intimate space, even when the wit and fun is a little OTT.

The church hall, where generations of children have probably heard these same stories, converts into a cosy black-box theatre for this intimate, often acoustic, production, accompanied at the matinee performance on keyboards only.

Simplicity of setting, just rostra, boxes and stairs, throws the entire emphasis onto the cast, with the colour provided by bright, vivid costuming.

Trent Gardiner brings a sure, sweet voice, well suited to the soft rock songs, to the role of Jesus (‘Beautiful City’ was a highlight), conveying an assured, gentle persona, while also landing Jesus’ more conflicted moments powerfully. As John / Judas, David Hov opens with an assured ‘Prepare Ye’, heralding the arrival of Jesus, in striking contrast to the wistful, mellow tones he brings to ‘On the Willows’.

Highlights are many from this strong ensemble cast.

Reich Webber-Montenegro brings a lively persona to the stage as Anna-Maria, landing the show’s best-known song ‘Day By Day’ with bright, eloquent charm. Sonya Lindsey finds just the right level of playful vamp seductress for ‘Turn Back Oh Man’. Kelly Andersen’s introduction to ‘Learn Your Lessons’, accompanying herself on ukulele, was a sheer delight, and a lovely little surprise.  Leading  ‘By My Side’, Anna Kourouvale ensures this song is a touching, heartfelt moment. Anna’s grasp of stillness and focus frequently come to the fore throughout the show. Belinda Humphries provides a big-voiced confident lead in ‘Bless The Lord’. ‘All Good Gifts’ is warm and assured in Brendan Iddles’ hands, while Andrew ‘Duckie’ Silcock leads the cast confidently, sending us off to intermission with ‘The Light of the World’.

I could go on, so pleasing is the balance of the company, with only the occasional burst of excess individual energy needing to be modified a little.

Clean, witty and warm storytelling is well-matched with choreographed movement and groupings rather than dance, fittingly given audience proximity.

Two of the three first weekend performances of Godspell were deservedly sold out, so tickets are sure to be at a premium.

Neil Litchfield

Photographer: Greg Piper

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