Jesus Folk

Origins and Initial Commission

The story of Jesus Folk began with a request from a group of Australian Christians who asked John Gowans and John Larsson to write a short musical for children. The specific instruction was that the Salvation Army content should be minimal. While Gowans and Larsson responded positively, the resulting work was deemed "too ambitious" by the Australian group.

Repurposing for Wembley

Although it seemed like wasted effort initially, an opportunity arose when the British Territory sought a contribution for the National Congress scheduled for July 1972 at the 10,000-seater Wembley Pool. Gowans and Larsson adapted and enlarged the work originally intended for Australia. The resulting musical, 'Jesus Folk', retained some elements from its children's origins, such as characters like 'Mr Rat' and 'Dodo'. However, the expanded version also included powerful new sequences, such as the Crucifixion. Despite being a "patchwork job," the musical proved effective and popular.

Wembley Premiere and Impact

The musical was introduced during the finale of the British Congress on 10 July 1972. A particularly memorable moment from this first presentation was the finale, where a resurrected Christ walked down the long aisle of Wembley Pool through a stunned audience, calling back to the cast on stage: 'Goodbye... and remember... I'm with you always.' This powerful depiction of the disciples discovering the continued presence of Jesus provided a stimulating conclusion.

Full Production at Fairfield Halls

A full version of 'Jesus Folk' was presented at Fairfield Halls, Croydon, on 25 January 1973. Production notes from this performance provide insight into the staging:

• The stage was large (56 ft. wide) with a raised up-stage area and a raked portion where a cross stood.
• Seven microphones were used (six on stands, one handheld), frequently moved by the cast as part of the action.
• The cast numbered 56, with girls outnumbering boys two to one (though equal numbers were deemed preferable).
• A small, movable circular dais (about eighteen inches high) was used throughout for various purposes.

Musical Structure and Theme

As noted in the original script notes, 'Jesus Folk' differs from traditional musicals with a single continuous storyline. Instead, it portrays separate incidents linked by the central theme of the transformation Christ brings to His followers. The musical features original disciples telling how Christ changed their lives, interwoven with modern-day situations, all expressed through song. The six main sequences focus on biblical characters: The Man with the Paralysed Hand, Lazarus, Philip, The Demoniac (Legion), Zacchaeus, and Peter. Theme songs open and close the musical, and two songs about the stilling of the storm open Part II.

This structure offered flexibility, allowing sections to be presented independently by groups for whom the entire work might be too demanding. The blend of biblical narrative, contemporary relevance, powerful music, and innovative staging contributed to its enduring popularity.