VIDEO: Theatre legend Andrew Lloyd Webber's surprise message for theatre group

No, not the Almighty, but Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, who sent a video salute wishing them well ahead of opening night.

Splinters Theatre Group members — who are putting on the musical at the Octagon Theatre in Sheffield from Wednesday to Saturday — were delighted to receive the clip, which also featured Laurence Connor, director of the Jesus Christ Superstar arena tour show.

You can see the Lord's message here: 

The huge production of Jesus Christ Superstar is being put on by Splinters to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

The society, which usually welcomes performers aged 14 to 30, will invite members from years gone by back to the stage for the production at The University of Sheffield’s Octagon Centre.

The video from Lord Lloyd Webber follows a good luck message from the lyricist of the show Sir Tim Rice, who tweeted his best wishes to the cast and crew last week.

Director of the show, Ian Walker, said: “To get a good luck message from Lord Lloyd Webber is truly amazing.

“The looks on our cast’s faces when they saw the video were something to behold and something I have never experienced in all my years involved in am dram.

“It has given us all a real buzz. We know we have a very special production on our hands.”

Tickets for Jesus Christ Superstar can be bought online or by calling 0114 265 8688.