What better setting for the acclaimed rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar than the nave of historic Lincoln Cathedral?
With the hours quickly decreasing until opening night, The Lincolnite had an exclusive seat at one of the show’s final dress rehearsals.
The dramatic stage is set beneath towering ceilings and looming columns and the cast of hundreds is gearing up for the colourful performance.
After an extremely popular project launch, the community production sold out within six weeks, with an extra date being scheduled and 4,000 tickets in total going to lucky theatre goers.
The cathedral will present the show for the first time on July 23, and it will run until August 2.
Working alongside producers Ben Poole, Brad Buchanan and Production Manager Neil Martin, the cathedral have drawn talent from across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire
With a cast of over 200 local people from various acting and singing backgrounds, hundreds of hours of preparation has gone into the show.
The performance will feature local people from the youngest actor (aged 6) to the oldest at age 86.
Producer Ben Poole (Jesus Christ), who is also a Lincoln businessman in the city, said: “I’ve done acting and singing for most of my life, both amateur and professional.
“This is the fruition of a dream I had as long as eight years ago and we have spend the last three years after gaining permission from the cathedral putting the show together.
“Hundreds of people have put in hours of their time in making this show happen. Our costume designer for example probably got a bit of a shock when it came to making 200 costumes.
“I knew it would be popular. I had to go with my gut feeling that Jesus Christ Superstar, in Lincoln Cathedral, rock music… I know I’m going.
“For the first time ever we have not had to advertise the show at all, and the extra date pretty much sold out over night.
“We’re all exhausted, but the last few days have gone very quickly. We are so excited and everybody has been working very hard.”
Local carpenter Andrew Morrant will be appearing on stage for the first time.
“I was asked to make the rehearsal stage and agreed to come along and do that. I was then speaking with ‘Jesus’, and he said ‘would you mind crucifying me every night?
“So I said ‘why not’ because I’m always up for a challenge and I am now a guard and I have made everything on the set, including the crucifix.”
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Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
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