ROCK and opera. Not two words you would generally put in the same sentence but somehow it worked on the opening night of Jesus Christ Superstar at Bristol Hippodrome.

Not knowing what the play was about, I went into it thinking I would enjoy the performance. If I'm honest, it wasn't my cup of tea but the cast were brilliant.

Jesus Christ Superstar, the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus, exploded onto the musical scene in 1971, the brainchild of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The play follows Jesus from the perspective of Judas Iscariot, his betrayer.

As Jesus' following increases, Judas begins to worry that Jesus is falling for his own hype, forgetting the principles of his teachings and growing too close to the prostitute Mary Magdalene.

After Jesus has an outburst in a temple, Judas turns on him and accepts 30 pieces of silver in exchange for information which eventually leads to his death on the cross.

It is as compelling today as it was more than 40 years ago, due in no small part to the fact that it features some of musical theatre’s most legendary songs, the likes of I Don't Know How to Love Him and Superstar.

Glenn Carter, who played Jesus on the West End, Broadway and on film, reprises his role for this national tour.

Carter was able to show off his vocal range with ease, hitting surprisingly high falsetto notes.

For me, the highlight of the night was when Caiaphas, played by Cavin Cornwall, walked on stage in the first act.

As leader of the Romans, the rulers of the land, Caiaphas’ character is strong and stern which is what made him so captivating – plus Cornwall has the deepest voice I think I've ever heard, turning heads as soon as he sung his first note.

Musical theatre star Tim Rogers played Judas while X Factor finalist Rachel Adedeji starred as Mary Magdalene having previously worked on the UK and European tour of Thriller Live.

Despite it not being to my taste, I'd recommend people to go see Jesus Christ Superstar on the musical talents of the cast alone. With 11 more dates to go – I’m in no doubt tickets will sell fast.

Tanya Yilmaz