Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

By Becky - 18th Feb 2016

Let me get this out there from the start; Joseph is one of my favourite ever musicals. Partly because it was the first musical I was ever taken to see as a child, but also because it’s fun, pure escapism and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. I have seen many, many incarnations of this show, and the current touring production of Joseph easily ranks up there as one of the best.

It’s rather strange, to have something so great playing at a small, local theatre, but how wonderful to see it packed full of people clapping and cheering, and dancing along. We all know the story; Joseph is given a multi-coloured as a gift from his father, which in turn annoys his eleven brothers. Slightly incensed, they sell him into slavery. Joseph then finds himself thrown into jail where his gift as an interpreter of dreams comes to the attentions of Pharaoh. After correctly predicting what Pharaoh’s dreams mean, Joseph saves Egypt from famine and is then reunited with his family.

As with all productions of Joseph, a children’s choir is present throughout, and on this leg of the tour the honours fall to Bristol School of Performing Arts, who were a wonderful addition to the show. Lucy Kay was the narrator to guide us through the story; a huge talent with a beautiful soprano voice. Starring in the titular role is Joe McElderry, X-Factor winner from a few years back. Much derision is often made of those who found their fame on the reality TV circuit, but both Kay and McElderry more than proved themselves as true musical theatre talents, and McElderry’s voice (particularly on Close Every Door to Me), is just outstanding. He carries the show so well, and looks so at home in the role that even a couple of wrong words didn’t hamper his performance.

What set this production of Joseph above others, and indeed what made it stand out from most other musicals I have seen, was the unbounded energy and tireless dedication from the cast. Each and every one of them seems to be having the time of their lives on stage and that, in turn, inspires and lifts the audience.

The cast of eleven brothers were an absolute joy, and special mention must go to Jamie Jukes as Zebulun, who was intensely committed to his role and made my son’s day by high fiving him at the end.

The last time I watched Joseph, I remember feeling a disappointment that the role of Pharaoh seemed an OTT Elvis pastiche that I no longer found funny. As a child brought up on the music of Elvis, Pharaoh had always been my favourite role. Last night, Emilianos Stamatakis turned all of that on his head. Put simply; he is the best Pharaoh I have ever seen. Not too over the top, not too ridiculous, he pitched his performance just right and delivered incredible vocals. It’s hard to believe Joseph marks his UK theatre debut.

All in all, I loved and adored every second- even the insanely long instrumental introduction was a joy to listen to. Perfect performances, great music, an abundance of energy…I could easily watch this again and again.

Perhaps more important than my opinion though, is that of my children. Going to the theatre as a family of five is not an affordable experience, but Joseph turned out to be worth every penny. My children were enraptured throughout, with my youngest dancing and waving wildly at the end, staring up at the stage and saying “Mummy, I want to do that.”

So thank you, cast and crew, for igniting dreams, inspiring us, and giving us all a great evening out.

Becky Fuller