Joseph And His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Judging by the almost capacity audience, TWODS seem to have hit on a winning formula of selecting a family friendly show which involves children, earlier start and presented during the half term school break.

This sung musical by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice has been around since 1968 and is based on the biblical story of Joseph, Jacob’s favourite son who could interpret dreams but family jealousy finds him exiled. He soon finds favour with the Pharoah and when his family come begging for food, not recognising him, he teaches them a lesson but eventually all is forgiven and he is reunited with his father and brothers.

The one set was quite something with a pyramid shape at the back which had colourful lights and staircases either side. The stairs in the middle moved in and out which revealed a grand entrance in the centre under the pyramid. Harvey Ebbage’s lighting design made the most of this colourful display but I will say no more about lights on the audience! Sound was a perfect balance throughout. The orchestra led by MD Ben Knowles played well, coping with the different musical styles of French ballad, rock and roll, calypso and country and western, they accompanied the cast securely. The solo and group singing was faultless. Costumes were outstanding and colourful. High energy choreography for both the dancers and the ensemble was incredible, working seamlessly together, which shows that hard work pays. 

It would be nice if could name everybody who took part in this production because they all contributed in their own way but that would be a very long list of names. However I must highlight firstly Liv Jones as The Narrator, she was hardly ever off stage for this demanding role but she certainly rose to the challenge. Mike Thompson in the lead role of Joseph gave an expressive performance. Then there was Lee Beaney as Pharoah/Elvis what a lovely fun part this was. I mustn’t forget the children. I saw a well-disciplined Team Techno but I am sure Team Dreams were equally as good. An unforgettable experience for them all.  

Congratulations to Director David Street as everybody on stage certainly looked like they were enjoying themselves This was a fun filled colourful production and the standing ovation at the end richly deserved. 

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