Director Ray Dyer has brought the 70s musical – a celebration of the gospel of Matthew – into a vibrant present day setting. Each cast member represents an ordinary person in an ordinary town, anywhere.

Nurses, a policeman, road sweeper, city slicker and teenage hoodie, among others, populate the cathedral stage, with an eclectic mix of bright costumes and young personalities. In contrast, Jesus (Chris Starkey) wears a white suit and trainers.

The first act stages many of Jesus' teachings, but this is no boring sermon. The Good Samaritan scenario is staged as a shadow play (complete with hobby horse to demonstrate the Samaritan's 'finest animal') and the parable of the sower is read by a 'young child, with cast members playing children acting out the part of the growing plants.

Songs – including Day by Day, Save the People, Learn Your Lessons Well and Light of the World – demonstrate the impressive voices in the 28-strong cast.

In the second act, Jesus resists temptation in the form of 'The Woman' before learning Judas Iscariot (Matthew Turner) has betrayed him.

He appeals to his disciples to stay awake but they fall asleep and, during a moving performance of On the Willows, realises they have failed him.

Finally, Jesus is crucified but soon resurrected, giving an uplifting end to a production demanding of its young cast.
The show is up to date, with some fun musical arrangements, tight choreography and committed performances – from Jesus and Judas to every member of the cast, who are on stage for much of the production.

On opening night there were some minor sound level issues which, no doubt, will have been tweaked by now, but don't let that put you off. This is the show of the summer, so catch it while you can.

Godspell, Suffolk Young People's Theatre, St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Tuesday, July 31.

Godspell runs until Saturday, performances are at 7.30pm with a 1pm matinee on Saturday. Call the box office on 01284 769505 or buy tickets on the door.