By: Suzanne Cleave
There is something magical about a musical that lifts your spirits from the moment the curtain rises – and the latest production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat certainly does just that.
Directed by Laurence Connor, this Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice classic is brimming with colour, catchy songs and a captivating cast. It takes the more traditional version of the story and adds in some vibrant sets, fun choreography and a hip swinging Elvis-style Pharaoh – what’s not to like?!
As soon as the Narrator takes to the stage, she starts to tell the story of Joseph’s journey, from Jacob’s favoured son, with his colourful dreamcoat, to a prisoner and finally Pharaoh’s right-hand man. Christina Bianco dazzles as the Narrator with her vocal performance and boundless energy. As well as narrating, she also takes on the role of several other characters, seamlessly and with a comedic touch.
Adam Filipe gives a strong performance as Joseph, with plenty of charm and a fantastic voice. His journey through the trials and tribulations of the character is portrayed with a sense of vulnerability that had the audience rooting for him.
However, for me, it was Former X Factor winner Joe McElderry who stole the show as Pharoah. He bursts onto the stage in a Vegas-style setting, complete with an Elvis cape and many lip curling ‘uh-huh-huhs’! He was a real audience pleaser!
All the well-known songs are there – ‘Any Dream Will Do’, ‘Close Every Door’ and ‘Go, Go, Go Joseph’ among others. Highlights include the funny rendition of ‘One More Angel in Heaven’, and also Simeon and the brothers’ version of ‘Those Canaan Days’ – absolutely brilliant!
Special mention must go to the young actors who all put on an impressive performance from start to finish. The ensemble too helped to make it a polished and seamless show.
The Joseph megamix finale got everyone up on their feet and joining in with the songs. It was an evening of pure joyful escapism – high energy, funny and fantastic!