What to see around Newbury this week
JCSS
JESUS Christ Superstar is playing at New Theatre Oxford until Saturday. Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) directs this mesmerising new production of the iconic global phenomenon. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, this reimagined production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Choreographed by Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), with music and lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’. https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/jesus-christ-superstar/new-theatre-oxford/
Newbury Spring Festival opens
TWO weeks of marvellous world-class music, Newbury Spring Festival, opens with a big orchestral concert at St Nics Church on Saturday. London Mozart Players, directed by Martin James Bartlett, with international star tenor Allan Clayton and young virtuoso horn player Ben Goldscheider, perform a very special concert to open this year’s Newbury Spring Festival.The tolling bell of Pärt’s poignant Cantus in Memorium Benjamin Britten sets the scene for a celebration of Britten, whose early work evoking the brilliance of the dazzling young sun-God contrasts with the Serenade for tenor, horn and strings – a setting of six poems on the subject of night and one of the great masterpieces of 20th century music. Mozart’s elegant piano concerto, the Jeunehomme, is performed by Martin James Bartlett who achieved early success as the winner of the 2014 BBC Young Musician of the Year. The festival continues with a diverse programme of classical, choral, chamber, cabaret, dance, jazz, folk and world music taking place in Newbury and its surrounding villages from May 11 to 25. https://www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk
Wild Isles Live
TOMORROW night (Friday, 7.30pm) at The Anvil, Basingstoke, Wild Isles Live is an unforgettable evening of natural wonder on the big screen. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the British Isles, featuring highlights from the brilliant BBC series, with never-before-seen footage and insight from visionary documentary producer Alastair Fothergill (Planet Earth, The Blue Planet). Join Alastair on a captivating journey through the British Isles' most curious and breathtaking landscapes - from golden eagles on the Highlands’ coasts to the weird and wonderful world of our woodland undergrowth - followed by a live Q&A. At a critical time for our bio-diversity, as highlighted in the BBC Series, this is a special opportunity to discuss the importance of conservation, individual action, and the importance of preserving the beauty of the British Isles. Book tickets for an evening of natural beauty, insider knowledge, and environmental consciousness. https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/
Shakespeare goes to Hollywood
THE Watermill Ensemble’s Hollywood take on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About nothing continues at the Bagnor theatre until May 18. Set against the backdrop of a bustling film set, passions run high as the drama continues even when the cameras stop rolling. Bickering on-screen lovers Benedick and Beatrice bring mischief and mayhem to the set, while the young lovers, rising star Claudio and, the daughter of the studio boss, Hero are threatened by an elaborate plot of deception. Lose yourself in the music and film of this golden era with a 1940s-inspired soundscape, played live by an ensemble cast of actor-musicians. https://www.watermill.org.uk/much-ado
