Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Looyd Webber has become one of the most popular musicals of recent years. The story is based upon the ‘coat of many colours’ and this version directed by Maggie Bishton was most certainly a show of many colours.

On entering the auditorium, the main tab was flooded by a range of bright vibrant colours which set the tone for the whole production.

Jigsaw is an all-inclusive group and Maggie never fails to involve everyone to their full potential. With a cast of 44 young people ranging from six to 18 years old it is not going to be possible to name everyone. It was however a delight to be able to pass on a few words of congratulations to the entire cast during the interval.

The Narrator was played, during the performance we saw, by Phoebe Fletcher who played the role with great command throughout guiding us through the story.  Songs were sung well such as ‘Jacob and Sons’ and ‘Go, Go, Go Joseph’ in the first act and ‘Pharaoh Story’ in act two.

The lead role of Joseph was confidently and commandingly played and sung by Luke McLinden who put in every ounce of energy in to the part. For example, during his musical numbers ‘Any Dream Will Do’ and ‘Close Every Door’.  

Joseph had eleven brothers. All eleven gave a resounding performance and were well-rehearsed in their choreography which was excellent throughout each number they were involved in. However, special mention must go to three of the brothers who had solo pieces to sing. Firstly Charlie Dealaselle who gave a commanding performance as Reuben singing ‘One More Angel in Heaven’ along with the other brothers and their father Jacob played by Keelan Pavitt. In act two Jarrad Heath playing Simeon gave an excellent rendition of ‘Those Canaan Days’ and Sam Ryan playing Judah who lead ‘Benjamin’s Calypso’ also gave a superb performance.   

Others with a special mention include Darcie Eglesfield as the Butler and Eva Haynes as the Baker who both played these smaller parts well. In addition, Paddy Hughes played an amusing ‘Potiphar’ along with his wife played by Holly Lovell. Finally, congratulations to Harrison Daley for the usual Elvis like Pharaoh. Harrison had great stage presence and sang ‘Song of the King’ and ‘Stone the Crows’ with conviction and great energy much to the delight of the audience.

The chorus including the younger members – The Joseph Technicolor Choir - were enthusiastic and engaged throughout and fully involved. They had clearly attended rehearsals and spent time learning the words and dance routines. I noted everyone of the chorus knew the ‘colours’ during ‘Joseph’s Coat’ which was impressive! 

The show is almost entirely sung, and, in this production, this was to backing tape. The volume of the music was suitable to the cast member singing and primarily worked. It was only when additional music was needed for a scene change that the whole piece of music needed to be played as there was no Musical Director to lead the band off and start the next piece – this however is a minor point because the whole production was of a high quality.

Costumes were of a high standard. The centre piece – the coat of many colours did not disappoint and was used to full effect during ‘Joseph’s Coat’ and the ‘Finale’. Other costumes were equally impressive especially those used during ‘Go, Go, Go Joseph’.

Equally well done throughout was the choreography such as during ‘Joseph’s Dream’, ‘One More Angel in Heaven’, Pharaoh’s Dreams Explained’ and the whole finale. Lighting was well done throughout and well timed especially during ‘Joseph’s Coat.’  

This was an impressive production undertaken by a talented group of youngsters, it is easy to see why this musical remains so popular across all ages. Congratulations to the whole production team. I look forward to your next production greatly.

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