Katherine MacAlister finds out what it's like to play Jesus in the rock opera

If Glenn Carter looks familiar it’s because he’s been starring in West End musicals for nigh on 35 years now, notching up stints in Chess, Cats, Les Misèrables, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Grease.

But this is his first tour, and Glenn has left London to play the lead – Jesus – in Jesus Christ Superstar, coming to Oxford’s New Theatre from Monday.

It’s a part he relishes but says that although it’s a classic show, this production is very different. And he should know – Glenn having played it in the West End, on Broadway and on film.

“The onus before was always on the relationship between Mary, Jesus and Judas, while this show is about Jesus’ last seven days on earth, his journey if you like.

And is the musical still relevant today? “More so than ever,” Glenn says. “It’s about how being a rich successful man with a Ferrari and a blonde 20 years younger than you isn’t the way to a fulfilling and noble life.

“That there are those who are selfless and put themselves out for others, that exist to put humanity first. That it’s not all about being a leader or a hero.That there is something more – a commitment to humanity.

“Jesus died for an idea and while he was successful he was also penniless. He showed that wealth came from the love of the people around him, and that’s what this story is about, whether you are religious or not.”

And as an atheist, do Glenn’s beliefs clash with his professional life? “No, I don’t see this as a religious show. It’s about a revolutionary man showing us all how to be selfless, that there is always something more.”

To be so enveloped in the story must take it out of Glenn then, playing the lead, as he does, up to eight times a week. “It is physically and emotionally exhausting,” he admits. “But it is an all consuming show so I have to look after myself... I get thrown around a lot every night on stage and then there’s the crucifixion! But every job is fun.

“I don’t think I’ll tour again though,” he admits, preferring the creature comforts of the West End and his nearby flat to a different city every week.

“Don’t get me wrong. Jesus Christ Superstar is also tremendously uplifting, and you swap energy with the audience and feed off them. Because if you don’t inspire or uplift them there is no point to theatre.

“So if I’ve ever had a bad day I just look out into the audience and you can see everyone tapping their feet and singing along, a sea of happy faces, and that helps.”

SEE IT
Jesus Christ Superstar, which comes to the New Theatre Oxford from September 28-October 3
Call 0844 871 3020 or visit atgtickets.com/oxford