As many of us prepare for the Easter holidays it seemed a fitting time for my first viewing of musical Jesus Christ Superstar at the Liverpool Empire on Monday, March 23.

Jesus Christ Superstar exploded onto the musical scene in 1971. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera tells the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus through an extraordinary, groundbreaking score. The show features some of musical theatre’s most legendary songs from I Don't Know How to Love Him, Everything's Alright, and Gethsemane through to, of course, Superstar.

This performance of Jesus Christ Superstar was due to feature two X Factor finalists and Welsh baritone Rhydian Roberts, from the 2007 X Factor series, did not disappoint in his role as Pontius Pilate. His commanding stage presence and dominant vocal performance demonstrated why he was chosen by Andrew Lloyd Webber himself to play The Phantom at the composer's 60th birthday celebrations. I was left wanting to hear more.

I had been looking forward to seeing 2009 X Factor finalist Rachel Adedeji in the role of Mary Magdalene but the role was played by understudy Jodie Steele on the opening night in Liverpool. This was but a fleeting disappointment as once the show started Jodie gave a wonderful leading lady performance with incredible vocals and an almost ethereal stage presence. Her emotional performance of I don't Know How to Love Him stood out but it is also worth mentioning that her duet with Peter (Edward Handoll) in Could We Start Again Please displayed perfect harmonies.

Judas Iscariot (Tim Rogers) was a bundle of nervous energy from the start. Dressed in dark clothing and sporting stubble his edgy rock vocals complemented Jesus's (Glenn Carter) smooth tones as he glided on to the stage in flowing white robes in the opening number. Carter gave a strong, convincing performance as Jesus, reflecting his considerable experience of the role. I was particularly impressed by the torment he showed during Gethsemane as well as the crucifixion, which made for suitably uncomfortable viewing. However it was Judas (Rogers) who stole the show for me with his vocal strength and left me feeling sorry for him and unsettled by his remorse and confusion, despite his obvious betrayal.

A special mention to Tom Gilling as King Herod who provided a much-needed comedic interlude with Herod's Song prior to the inevitable conclusion of the show. A talented supporting cast, outstanding live band, simple set and clever lighting rounded off a thought-provoking and enjoyable evening.