In this version, the crucifix is smaller and closer to the ground; Judas no longer hangs himself; and much of the stage blood in the earlier versions has been replaced, weirdly, by silver paint and gold glitter.

AS AN OCCASIONAL cultural quiz-setter, I sometimes invite contestants to guess plays or musicals from the increasingly frequent content advisories posted by producers. This week’s big West End opening, though, is too easy. “Contains flashing lights and visual effects, pyrotechnics, theatrical smoke and haze,” audiences are warned. “Some violence, imitation blood, and an onstage depiction of the crucifixion.” Jesus Christ Superstar by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber was revived at the London Palladium this week in a production that is already a stonking box-office success

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