Joseph And His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Based on the “coat of many colours” story of Joseph in the Bible (Genesis), this was the first publicly performed musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice back in 1968. Originating from a ‘pop cantata’ written for a school choir, it has been augmented many times down the years and is now a full-length stage musical. One of the most enduring shows of all time, it was released only to amateur Youth groups until recently, so Banbridge MS has been waiting for many years to gain permission to perform it.

Their Set was simple and functional with tiers on either side for the children’s choir to sit and stand, and with centre steps leading from an entrance at the top. A backdrop of pyramids was flown in when appropriate and a gold slash curtain for Pharoah (Elvis style) to make his entrance. Side columns covered in Egyptian lettering appeared beside permanent plain columns when needed. Props were all suitable including a nice chaise longue for Potiphar’s wife to “ lie with” Joseph.  I loved the home-made camel in the style of the back end of a pantomime horse! Many of the Costumes were made by Rosemary Kelly (costume mistress AND Chair of the society!) – all beautiful, colourful, and appropriate with headdresses to match! The children’s chorus all wore brightly coloured T-shirts with the show logo on the front.

The 36 children sang with gusto and had lots of ‘armography’ to involve them in the action. I liked the opening when they filed in and sat in 2 circles while the Narrators began to tell them the story. Sharing the narrators’ role and Potiphar’s wife were Kayla Lernon, Aimee McVeigh, and Claire Costello – the latter played the wife on the night I attended. They all had strong vocals and were constantly choreographed around the stage throughout the show. They hardly left the stage and their enthusiasm never waned. The eleven brothers were also full of energy and displayed good rapport with each other. Some played other small roles as well – Al Chambers played the Butcher; Peter Copes played the Baker and Daryll Galloghy was Potiphar . In addition, various “Brothers” showed individual vocal talent as they told the lead – “One More Angel” featured Peter Copes as Zebulin, “Those Canaan Days featured Kyle Emerson as Naphtali, and “Benjamin Calypso” Paddy Heaney as Judah. I must give a special mention to the always popular Elvis style “Stone the Crows” by Pharoah. Ruairi milked it for all he was worth, and the audience lapped it up! (You should have seen the crowds waiting after the show to get a selfie with him!)  Father of the brothers was Jim McGuigan as Jacob, who brought both character and comedy to the role – and a long-established beard!!

As a well-practiced Joseph, Daniel May had lost none of his enthusiasm for the role although the first time he played Joseph was 19 years previously! Daniel had a fine singing voice and plenty of energy. His two main numbers – ‘Close Every Door’ and ‘Any Dream Will Do’ were highlights.

The adult and teen chorus moved in and out in various guises – sometimes brothers’ wives, another time Ishmaelites or Egyptian guards, or some as specialist dancers. Two guards dressed as modern security men popped on and off too – always bringing extra comedy touches! I loved their local language interpretations in “Those Canaan Days’!

Ian Milford, who doubled as Director and M.D. took strong  control of his ten-piece band and although the score has many different genres of music – calypso, hill billy, rock ‘n roll …., at high volume they were mostly sympathetic to the stage! As an experienced director Ian worked well with choreographer Jordan and they produced a tight, fast moving show. Being the final performance everyone, including the audience, was on a ‘high’ and the feeling was palpable!

The journey to Armagh was certainly worthwhile and I enjoyed every minute. My thanks for the invitation and kind hospitality.

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