Three years after its Broadway debut, Jesus Christ Superstar made it’s way onto the Lyric stage. The controversial rock opera about the final days in the life of Jesus Christ represented a bold choice in the conservative climate of 1974 Belfast.

The production’s director, and former Artistic Director of the Lyric Theatre, Michael Poyner said of the production “It has been a phenomenal leveller – people of all ages and walks have lavished praise on it. What more can one say! BE A WITNESS!” The play had courted controversy and hostility from religious quarters since its premiere in 1971. The Lyric production saw young Scottish actor Ken Stott play the role of Judas.  Stott's career would continue to flourish. He is best known now for his portrayal of the eponymous hero Rebus in the dramatisation of the crime novels of Ian Rankin, and for playing Balin in The Hobbit Trilogy.