Jon English loved Tasmania, he was for seven years, the ambassador for the save the Tasmanian devil appeal. Jon made regular visits to Tassie to highlight the cause in addition to his regular performance visits, including the 2012 Launceston’s Encore presents performance of Jesus Christ Superstar, (where the same photo as the original production was used in the program) which raised thousands for the cause.
I recently chatted to Jon’s partner and manager Coralea Cameron who told me she and Jon had considered, if ever Jon retired, they would establish some real estate in Tasmania so they could spend six months in Tassie and six months in their base in North Coffs. Sadly that aim was never achieved due to Jon’s shock passing in 2016.
At that time Jon and Coralea were seriously attempting to bring the December 1973 Capitol Theatre, Sydney, recording of Jesus Christ Superstar to the general public to celebrate the production’s 45th anniversary. The double CD recording stars Jon as Judas, Marcia Hines as Mary Magdalene, John Paul Young as Annas, Stevie Wright as Simon Zealots, Reg Livermore as King Herod and Trevor White as Jesus.
Amazingly, Jon was only 22 when he took on the role of Judas Iscariot in the production. The recording had been made primarily as a keepsake for the cast and crew. However, since it is the only artefact of the production apart from internet clips, Coraleas aim is to supplement the paucity of material with the release of this gem of a recording and is determined it stand as a celebration of Jon’s talent and in his memory. Both the writer Andrew Lord Webber and lyricist Tim Rice have given their blessing to the release of the double CD. The CD is accompanied by a 20 page booklet with the liner notes and photographs from the production. The album is available now through ANZAC records (www.aztecrecords.com.au). Half of the proceeds will be donated to the music industry charity ‘Support Act’.
Paula Xiberras
