Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

 

Joseph & His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Hessle Theatre Company

 

Directors Martin Beaumont, Musical Director Rebecca Barques, Choreographer Elise Johnson

Hull New Theatre

10th March 2026

Hessle Theatre Company’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is, quite simply, a feast for the eyes. From the very start the stage bursts with colour, movement and infectious energy, immediately pulling the audience into the vibrant world of this much-loved musical. Under the direction of Martin Beaumont, the show is delivered with confidence, flair and an obvious love for the material.

As sets go, the staging was minimal, but this did not detract from the production in the slightest. Instead, the company made exceptional use of a video screen which became a clever and effective storytelling device throughout the show. The sequences displayed were imaginative, perfectly timed and enhanced the performance beautifully. The visual design worked seamlessly with the action on stage and the clever use of technology added an extra layer of polish to the production. Combined with the bright costumes and energetic staging, the overall visual experience was bold, colourful and constantly engaging, drawing the audience’s attention in every flashy and flamboyant direction.

One of the most impressive aspects of this production is the stamina of the cast. Joseph is a fast-paced show that is sung almost entirely from start to finish, offering performers very little opportunity for rest. Yet the cast took this in their stride and somehow seemed to have even more energy at the end than they did at the beginning. Vocally, the company was in excellent form. Under the musical direction of Rebecca Barques, the singing performances were strong throughout, with the cast fully embracing the wide range of musical styles that make the score so unique. Harmonies were delivered masterfully and added richness to the ensemble numbers.

The choreography by Elise Johnson matched the musical diversity perfectly, with stylised routines that captured the changing moods and genres of the score. It was particularly refreshing to see the entire cast fully engaged in the chorus numbers rather than standing to the side while others performed. At the same time, smaller groups of performers were given opportunities to shine with more complex routines, adding further visual interest. The children’s ensemble, who appeared throughout the production, were fantastic and worked brilliantly alongside the adult cast. Their professionalism and confidence on stage were impressive for such young performers and added an extra layer of charm to the show. The opening number, Any Dream Will Do, was a touching start to the evening, setting the tone beautifully, while the equally energetic Go Go Go Joseph was performed with infectious enthusiasm. It was lovely to see the children’s ensemble woven into the performance throughout, adding to the sense of community on stage.

With such a large cast required for this show, assembling the company is no small task. However, the production team have clearly succeeded in bringing together a strong and committed ensemble. The adult chorus in particular must have been dizzy trying to keep up with their many costume and stage appearances throughout the evening, yet they did so with impressive consistency and enthusiasm.

Comedy flows naturally throughout this production, with the cast displaying excellent comic timing and character work. One particularly memorable sequence was the scene involving Joseph (Ben Bailey), Potiphar (Karl Maltby Hitch) and Mrs Potiphar (Sarah Brodie), which had many audience members laughing uncontrollably. Not to be outdone was the wonderfully entertaining Song of the King, performed by Pharaoh (Christian Brodie). It was difficult to tell who was enjoying the moment more – the performer on stage or the delighted audience watching.

The brothers deserve special mention. The eleven performers work together brilliantly and genuinely give the impression of a lively, chaotic group of siblings. Mark Jardine (Reuben/Butler) led the wonderfully entertaining One More Angel in Heaven, a standout moment filled with shifting tempos and excellent comedic delivery from the brothers. Russell Fallon (Simeon/Baker) shone during Those Canaan Days, a cleverly staged and hilarious number packed with theatrical flair. Completing this trio of standout brotherly moments was Joe Spence (Judah) with Benjamin’s Calypso, which showcased both the performers’ energy and the choreographer’s creativity.

The remaining brothers also contributed strongly to the ensemble: Adam Maltby Hitch (Levi), Adam Atkinson (Dan), Chris Barques (Naphtali), Benedict Prosser (Gad), Josh Murray Butler (Asher), Christopher C Corbet (Issachar), Alfi Gozacan (Zebulun) and Joseph Walker (Benjamin) all played their part in creating a lively and believable brotherhood. Supporting them was Kevin Hickson as Jacob, who added warmth to the family dynamic.

In the title role, Ben Bailey delivered a strong and confident performance as Joseph, demonstrating both vocal strength and stage presence throughout. Equally impressive was Elinor Kirby as the Narrator, whose unwavering energy carried the story from start to finish. Her interaction with the cast was engaging and her vocal performance and subtle movements were consistently strong, showing real dedication and stamina.

Overall, Hessle Theatre Company have delivered a vibrant, energetic and thoroughly entertaining production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. With striking visuals, inventive staging, strong musical performances and a cast clearly enjoying every moment on stage, this is a production that leaves its audience smiling long after the final curtain. I wish I could congratulate every cast and crew member in the show by name for their amazing performance but I fear I would be writing until there next outstanding production.

 

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