9:33am Friday 21st October 2005
By Craig Nelson
When Epsom Player Mark Fallon was first offered the title role of Jesus Christ Superstar he was forced into a life-changing decision.
Two years later, having played Jesus four times, Mark, 38, is now faced with another tough choice does he keep the golden locks and goatee?
Method actors like Robert De Niro famously suffer all sorts of trials and tribulations for their art, but I bet the star of Taxi Driver never had to put up with jibes from work-mates when he turned up sporting a Mohican.
Mark, an IT consultant by day, explained: "My colleagues are understanding about my hobby and I think they enjoy coming to watch me perform, but that doesn't stop them taking the mickey about the way I look."
Apparently, Mark was inspired after seeing Owen Wilson in the recent big screen version of Starsky and Hutch, although he does look remarkably like Paul Nicholas' Jesus from the 1970s West End production.
For years, Paul Nicholas WAS Jesus Christ Superstar, helping Andrew Lloyd Webber's first hit show become the longest running West End musical ever, at that time.
As well as its controversial storyline, looking at the last seven days of Jesus' life through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, Jesus Christ Superstar also broke new boundaries as the world's first rock opera.
It is perhaps surprising then that, until now, Jesus Christ Superstar has never played at Epsom Playhouse. In fact, Andrew Lloyd Webber only recently lifted an embargo on amateur dramatic productions of the show.
"Until a year ago, the show was only allowed to be perf-ormed in schools," said Mark.
"I actually played the part a couple of times in youth productions. Then, last year, I played it in Godalming after the embargo was lifted.
"I am Church of England myself, but I don't think there is anything offensive in the show. It is just based on assumptions on what Judas may have been feeling, rather than actual passages from the bible.
"It is an emotionally draining part, after all I do get crucified every night."
While this is an amateur staging, there is a wealth of professional talent involved in the production.
By day, the director works for BBC Radio and the musical director teaches the next generation of West End performers at Laine Theatre Arts. The cast has also invested an impressive 100 hours of rehearsal in the production, which is sponsored by National Counties Building Society.
Jesus Christ Superstar, Epsom Players, Epsom Playhouse, Tuesday to Saturday, October 25-29. Tickets £13-£15. Call 01372 742555.
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