One of the most powerful and enthralling musicals I have ever seen is currently on stage at the Palace Theatre in Manchester.

The iconic Jesus Christ Superstar danced its way into Manchester and is, quite simply, superbly different from the usual jolly, toe-tapping shows which we are used to seeing in the historic theatre.

Of course, most people know the story of Jesus Christ - and this certainly helped in the first half when we were treated to energetic singers and dancers enacting the final weeks of Jesus as he goes from hero to the most hated man in Jersulem in a matter of days.

This contemporary rock opera certainly packs a punch and the singers and dancers don’t hold back as they belt out the classic tunes from the pen of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

The story starts with a troupe of street dancers energetically setting the scene with the Disciples, dressed in modern vests and baggy clothes, amongst a set of what looks like ramps and scaffolding.

You are taken straight into the action with the dancers surrounding Jesus, played by Ian McIntosh.

Ian was outstanding in his role - his vocal ability was out of this world and he certainly rocked the tunes.

He came across as a streetwise tough guy, with a gentle side, especially with his friends - notably Judas and Peter - and of course Mary.

My husband said he reminded him of Justin Timberlake.

You felt his anguish and despair as his fate was sealed and he was betrayed by those around him.

Judas, played by Shem Omari James, was also believable as the one who betrayed Jesus.

His hands were covered in silver to depict his betrayal - a very powerful visual statement.

Another standout performance was by Hannah Richardson who played Mary.

Her rendition of I Don’t Know How To Love Him, was hauntingly beautiful - you could have heard a pin drop as her lilting tones vibrated around the theatre.

Her relationship with Jesus was both touching and believeable.

The story matter is, of course, very heavy, and to add a bit of light relief Herod, played by Julian Clary - in just one scene - created ripples of laughter around the theatre.

He was dressed in elaborate glittery clothes to show the king’s opulence against the sparse clothes of Jesus and his disciples.

The songs are delivered with vigour, including Hosanna and of course, the titular song of Jesus Christ Superstar.

The subject matter might not to be everyone’s taste and the scenes where Jesus is whipped and crucified are particularly hard to watch, but overall, this is a very powerful piece of theatre and one which I will remember for a long time to come.

Jesus Christ Superstar runs at the Palace Theatre until Saturday, September 23.

Review by Lisa Burns