Godspell Synopsis

Welcome to the party! Godspell is a show about community, friendship, and the love found when we gather together. Godspell challenges the modern ideas of money and leaders: wealth and love should be shared with all, and compassion should be in abundance. 

Act 1:

A group of philosophy students are having a heated, conflicting debate during a study session [Tower of Babble], when they receive a text from Judas inviting them to a party and they get ready [Prepare Ye]. The party-goers arrive at Jesus’ party eager to listen, and are brought together by the central idea of community, led by Jesus [Save the People].

Through a series of stories based on parables from the Bible, Jesus, Judas, and the party-goers discuss how to be better people. As the party progresses, one-by-one each person contributes in their own way and confirms their place in the community [Day by Day, Learn Your Lessons Well, Bless the Lord].

Jesus and Judas disagree for the first time in front of the group [All For the Best], and after one final lesson [All Good Gifts] we reach the height of the party and the end of Act I [Light of the World].

Act 2:

The group try to keep the party going and lift Jesus’ spirits [Turn Back O Man], but the atmosphere gradually begins to change and conflicts arise. Jesus remembers a time when he was challenged by the authorities and pleads for us to recognise that those in charge are corrupt [Alas For You]. Back at the party, the group grow anxious at Jesus’ downward shift in mood but, despite the ongoing tension, he continues to teach lessons of love and forgiveness [By My Side].

Judas grows concerned that the party is getting out of hand, and that the group are blindly following Jesus rather than understanding his words [We Beseech Thee]. Judas removes himself from the community and reports Jesus to the authorities. Meanwhile, Jesus finally understands how to deliver his message to the party-goers, and hopes that they will carry it forward [Beautiful City].  

As the party reaches its climax, Jesus informs the group he will be leaving and they share their final moments together. They say their goodbyes as Judas watches from afar [On The Willows].

Jesus is taken away by the authorities and, as the others search for him, he dies “for the forgiveness of sins”. The group mourn his death, but realise the strength of the community they have formed. Judas regrets his actions and is forgiven by the group, as Jesus would have wanted and together they share their message of love with all. [Finale]