Jesus Christ Superstar -- Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

The storylines in many musicals tend to be weak -- an excuse to perform some wonderful songs.

In the past this musical has had that tendency -- but not this Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice classic.

This show depicts the agonies which Judas goes through, the pains of Jesus and the sheer brutality of the Roman occupation.

It is the story through Judas's eyes of Jesus's arrival in Jerusalem, through the crucifixion and on to the resurrection.

The lighting effects culminated in spectacular scenes of the crucifixion and the almost ear-drum-busting sounds added to the show's pain theme -- climaxed by the nails being hammered into Jesus on the cross.

Some of the wonderful songs included Jesus Christ Superstar and Hosanna. Best voice has to go to Helen Catherine-Ball as Mary Magdalene with her superb versions of Everything's Alright and I Don't Know How to Love Him.

l Runs until March 26. Phone 01274 432000 for ticket details.

Ralph Badham

Plaza Suite -- Keighley Playhouse

Plaza Suite is effectively three stories in one, with the play divided into three sections, involving different couples staying at suite 719 of the Plaza Hotel.

The first couple are celebrating their anniversary, but the marriage is failing, with businessman Sam Nash having an affair with his secretary.

The second act involves an illicit afternoon meeting between famous Hollywood producer Jesse Kiplinger and childhood sweetheart Muriel Tate.

The last story sees a mother and father try to get their daughter out of the bathroom and down to her wedding ceremony.

A Neil Simon play, it veers uneasily between comedy and drama in the overly-long first act. However, the later acts see the action become faster and the comedic element come to the fore -- both of which improve the play. June Driver produces an assured acting performance as Karen Nash, the wronged woman and Guy Wilman, as Mr Nash, portrays the anguish of his character effectively.

However, Geoff Whitley steals the show with a manic performance as the harassed father of the bride, Roy Hubley, which had the audience in hysterics. The play is not a classic but does enough to keep the audience amused for the two-hour duration of the play.

l Runs until Saturday. Call 01535 604764 for ticket details.

James Gosling