Jesus Christ Superstar Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

AGAINST the dimly-lit backdrop of Bute Park, the 2019 Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival came to a dramatically fitting end with the crucifixion of Jesus.

It was, of course, the closing scene of Jesus Christ Superstar, which was the final offering of this year’s festival.

Now one of the highlights in the Welsh summer calendar, this brilliant event runs for more than a month and offers performances for all the family. This year we had comedy Hi-De-Hi!, Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and Disney’s The Little Mermaid for young theatregoers.

But it was Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical which was chosen for the festival finale – and there couldn’t have been a more breathtaking send off.

Directed by festival regular Richard Tunley – who has brought us superb versions of Sweet Charity, Fiddler on the Roof and Sweeney Todd among others – you always knew this was going to be a bold and thrilling version. And he didn’t let us down.

The rock opera is looselybased on the Gospels’ accounts of the last week of Jesus’ life, beginning with the preparation of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem and ending with the crucifixion.

Designed by Seb Noel, the contemporary-set production featured a gritty urban set with graffiti-daubed walls while the costumes by Bethany Seddon were modern day.

There are so many big numbers and the young ensemble didn’t disappoint with some energetic routines that were superbly choreographed by the talented director.

Much of the plot centres on Judas, who is dissatisfied with the direction in which Jesus is steering his disciples, and Owain Sullivan was perfectly cast.

Another festival regular, Giaccolina Crothers, shone as Mary Magdalene and her voice was spot on. Ashley Richards had the challenging title role and he drew on every emotion as he literally broke down in front of us.

His performance of Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say) was simply incredible and he proved what a fine vocal range he has.

It may be a heartbreaking story but there were some lighter moments too, in particular one hilarious routine which saw the dancers donning stilettos, stockings and heavy make up - and that was just the men.

One of the best things about this festival is that because it’s performed in the open air, the stage lighting adds to the atmosphere as the evening gets darker.

This was particularly effective during the crucifixion, much of which took place in the natural darkness, with parts of the cross glowing in red with a bright yellow light around Jesus like a halo.

The sounds of the city which are also unfolding around you – dogs barking, drunken cheers from the park – also add to the experience rather than detract.

But with such solid performances on stage, why would you want to focus on anything else.

Another triumph from Tunley and his team.