Martin's lead role with a difference

IT'S the ultimate tale of love, faith and betrayal.

And now, the story of Jesus's last days is to be brought to life — in Llanelli.

The Academy theatre group will be putting on a performance of Jesus Christ Superstar at Y Ffwrnes in April.

Rehearsals are already under way, with casting director Peter Sharp having chosen the main parts — including musician Martin Goddard in the lead role.

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The 28-year-old, who is better known for singing with bands Coverland and Sierra Alpha, said it was his first foray into musical theatre since performing the show as a pupil at Ysgol y Strade.

"We did a production at school when I just played one of the disciples," he said.

"Since then I've always thought Jesus would be a really good role to play.

"I've loved the show for a while. Nothing else has ever interested me in terms of musical theatre.

"It's such a demanding vocal role but it's such a good story. And it's good for me taking on such a challenging thing.

"I was debating for a while whether to go for it, so I was really chuffed when I got it."

He said he had been taking his preparation very seriously in the lead-up to the show after Easter.

"For me, this is something I've always wanted to do," said Martin.

"It's not just a part in a play — I'm really going for it.

"I'm spending a lot of time looking into it, visiting friends who are religious and asking their interpretations of it.

"My parents aren't religious, so this show was my first insight into the actual story of the death of Jesus Christ.

"I'm pretty sure people are going to be there at the show and it's going to be their first insight."

As well as the background, he said he was taking his appearance in the play seriously too.

"I'm leaving my beard and hair to grow the whole time — proper method acting," he said. "It's already unmanageable and there are another two months to go!"

And Martin said rehearsals had been going well since starting up a few weeks ago.

"All the cast is really strong. I'm really excited," he said.

"People think musicals are fluffy, lovely stories, but this is a really dark, rock opera. It's very guitar-driven.

"It's going to be a really good show. And one of the best things about the role will be performing in the new theatre.

"Hopefully it will sell out."

The show runs for three nights from Thursday, April 25, until Saturday, April 27, at 7pm each evening.