In 1972, when Jesus Christ Superstar was taking London's West End by storm, I was young, rashly impressionable and recently 'out' as an atheist.
As such, I decided this Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice 'religion based' rock opera was not for me.
Since then I have often wondered what I might have missed.
When some 45 years later, the Open Air Theatre Regent's Park staged a new production (2017 and 2018) to great acclaim, circumstances prevailed and I managed to miss my chance once again.
I was therefore determined to get to this revival of the Open Air Theatre's production at the Barbican theatre, where it plays there until 29 August 2019 before heading off on a North American tour in October.
Thank goodness
Thank goodness I did -and thank goodness I waited - for this Jesus Christ Superstar is one hell of a theatrical experience and, at its inevitable climax, excruciatingly moving.
Given its 70s heritage it also comes with a surprisingly genuine relevance to the issues we face today.
The rise of the personality cult and the way we grasp at simple solutions to multiple-layered problems.
The stoking of racial tension and establishment fear of political unrest (and the ruthless way it can often be suppressed) are also in the telling of the last week in the life of Jesus - from his arrival in Jerusalem with his disciples, through his betrayal by Judas and crucifixion as a consequence.
And finally, each of us watching Jesus Christ Superstar can determine the level of religious implication we wish to place on the proceedings.
While my own view on this has never wavered, this in no way detracts or diminishes the impact of the rock opera.
As an evening in the theatre, this is among the very best.
First things first, I had forgotten just how good the 1,100 seated Barbican Theatre is from an audience perspective.
While it may not enjoy the historic grandeur of some of London's Victorian theatres it more than makes up for this with comfort, view and acoustics.
With Jesus Christ Superstar the auditorium enables us to become an integral part of the drama as it unfolds.
The Lloyd Webber/Rice partnership has, of course, produced music and lyrics stacked with well recognised show stoppers and these have stood the test of time extremely well.
A startling opening guitar solo sets the scene and the mood so well and the very tight rock band engenders the feel of a live concert throughout.
It also allows the leads to use hand held mikes to particular effect.
Then there is the ensemble of singers and dancers who, as the followers of Jesus, are an absolute key to its success.
They combine to create intricate murmuration of movement and emotion that flows through almost every scene.
Of the leads, Matt Cardle provides a compelling and conflicted Judas and Sallay Garnett plays Mary with alluring serenity.
But the real focus of Jesus Christ Superstar is undoubtedly on the turbulent and affecting relationship between Jesus (Robert Tripolino) and Judas (Ricardo Afonso).
Both are superb.
Afonso plays Jesus as a gentle and bewildered soul who is somewhat out of his depth in leading a group of fickle followers and disciples in an admirable but ultimately doomed crusade.
Judas in contrast is a tormented one who, in losing a defining influence over his saviour is then, of course, wracked with guilt at betraying him.
The climatic crucifixion of Jesus would be almost too painful to watch were in not so compelling and integral to the journey we have been taken on.
As we left the auditorium, I heard two young women in front of me.
"That was so good. But I can hardly breath. I don't think I could ever go through that again."
"I know what you mean. Shall we see if we can book for next week?
"Yes, come on".
As for me, this production of Jesus Christ Superstar was well worth waiting those forty-seven years for.
Evita at the Open Air Theatre
Evita, also by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, plays at the Open Air Theatre Regent's Park from 2 August to 21 September 2019.
AllWays Traveller to the Open Air Theatre
The Barbican Centre, London
The Barbican Centre is the largest performing arts centre in Europe, hosting classical and contemporary music concerts, theatre performances, film screenings and art exhibitions.
There is always something to enjoy here.
Jesus Christ Superstar US tour
This production of Jesus Christ Superstar will enjoy an extended, 27 city, tour of the USA between October 2019 and August 2020.