Jesus Christ Superstar, Liverpool Empire

This mould-breaking musical from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber is 40 years old.

This current version directed by Bill Kenwright and Bob Tomson is timeless and magnificent.

Mr Kenwright is the theatre world's equivalent of a fine silver polisher. He tweaks other productions such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Blood Brothers...he cares.

It shows.

This touring version is slick and superb.

This is a rock opera. We all know the ending.

Songs such as I Don't Know How to Love Him and the title track Superstar is embedded in all our minds, Glenn Carter, who has been in the West End, Broadway and on film as JC, has a voice that will remain with you for a long time to come.

He sounds like a heavy metal singer from the 70s. Gutsy, feisty and passionate.

His anger in the clearing of the temple is jaw- dropping. His sensitivity at the last supper is magical.

A wonderful parody of the Da Vinci Code is on display and Rhydian Roberts as Pontious Pilate is stunning. A performer who stamped his own personality on a pivotal part.

He looked like a young Derek Jacobi and has sparkling, strange presence.

A great thumbs-up, too, to Jodie Steele who stepped in to take over the role of Mary Magdalene.

A production that is spectacular, funny - Herods' song-and-dance number is memorable.

The Crucifixion sequence is moving, painful, joyous.

This is one tremendous show.

Superstar status, indeed for all involved.

Globe rating: 5 stars STUNNING.

At the Empire until Saturday.