Interview: Michael Kholwadia on playing title role in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at The Watermill
Photo credit: Matt Crockett
The Watermill Theatre’s upcoming exhilarating summer musical Jesus Christ Superstar, by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd, begins performances at the Newbury venue next week. We caught up with the main man himself, Michael Kholwadia, who plays Jesus in this new production.
Jesus Christ Superstar is a huge classic! What was your first encounter with the show?
It IS a huge classic, yes. I first found out about JCS from the ITV talent show, believe it or not. My Mum and I were obsessed. We watched the Joseph and Oliver! shows too. Beats The X Factor any day of the week.
Why do you think this musical has stood the test of time and remains so popular today?
It’s a quality piece of work, first and foremost. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice have not really confined the show to any specific time period or location. The lyrics allow for many different takes on the material. In our version, I feel like Jesus is a frontman/pop star.
How are you finding your own interpretation of the iconic role of Jesus?
I know the show well, so I’m really trying to go back to the score, back the material, to make sure I deliver a version of the character that’s my own.
Most of my choices come as a result of my cast mates. For example, if I run a scene with Max [Alexander-Taylor playing Judas] for the first time, the energy that he gives me dictates how I’ll play the rest of said scene. We’re very blessed, because there are some really great actors in this company. They make offers and choices in the room, which makes my life really easy! I have something to bounce off.
Having appeared in huge productions like Les Miserables and Pretty Woman recently, what is it like to work in a much more intimate setting?
I love these shorter, more intimate jobs! The cast and the company here already have a great bond and I can tell it’s going to be a very special contract.
Big commercial jobs are spectacular, but it’s really nice to work on something from the ground up, rather than replacing a track that’s already been blocked in. It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with Paul [Hart - Director] and Anjali [Mehra - Choreographer] on this production.
How are you finding the process of working on an actor-musician production? What instruments do you play in the show?
I play only the human voice, unfortunately. My own, that is. Big props to my castmates and their quadruple-threat talents.
This is my first actor-muso show. I have to say, it’s a different rehearsal process to what I’m used to. Usually, I don’t get to hear the band until sitzprobe day but here, every day is sitzprobe day. And I love sitzprobe day.
The musos and I are already building a musical relationship with each other in the room. It's a real privilege to get to rehearse with these lot.
What is your favourite number to perform in the show and what do you think the most underrated song in the show is?
‘Superstar’! Probably the most famous number from the show, but it’s still my favourite. It’s one of those songs that everyone knows, but you don’t actually get to appreciate how clever it is, until you see it in context. Clever lyrics, and it’s a bop.
Most underrated? I’ll have to go with ‘Damned For All Time’. I don’t think many people know that one. Clearly I’m a fan of the Judas songs for some reason.
What advice would you give to aspiring performers to help them not get too daunted by the prospect of huge roles like Jesus?
What advice can you give me? I’m daunted!
Jokes aside, I’d say to be as prepared as possible. Really know your lyrics and music as soon as you possibly can. The more you know your stuff, the more calm you’ll be when rehearsing. That way, you’ll make informed choices and organic discoveries about your character.
Relax and enjoy yourself above all else. This performing stuff is meant to be fun!