Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

This production performed by THE JUNIOR GUILD OF PLAYERS, was in one word excellent.  There were a number of firsts, Amy McCreadie's first production as Director and Christopher Watt, first acting as MD to a cast involving only young people. Both of them also work with a local adult company as Choreographer and MD and I think they brought that experience to this production. It was simply super. From the first note to the final curtain there was a sheer delight of talent on stage. The whole cast were enthusiastic and it showed that they were all enjoying themselves. The set was simple yet effective with no big scene changes but simple add ons etc made such a difference. I especially liked the quirky bits of acting from using a selfie stick to take a group photo to Potipher standing on his guards knees to look into Josephs face. 

I really shouldn't single out any one individual from the cast as they were all very good in what they did as individuals and chorus. However with regard to the principals, I was very impressed by the duet of Narrators sung by Anna Wilson and Niamh Jackson. Their interaction with each other and their musicality was excellent from the opening right through the show to the big finale. They hold the show together and keep the audience aware of what is happening throughout. They did this with ease and elegance. Next on stage was Jacob and his family and the chorus work here was harmonic and we could hear every word. It was nice to see this group not only acting as a chorus but also doing their own thing in these scenes so there was stuff going on all the time. Their songs (Jacob and Sons, Josephs Dream, Poor Poor Joseph), were super and I especially liked their rendition of 'One More Angel in Heaven' when they tell their father about Josephs "death"

After Joseph gets sold into slavery he comes to the attention of Potiphar who was superbly played by Joe Clark. He has a confidence about him that belies his years and he has talent as well. Nadine McDonald played Potiphar's wife and was suitable seductive for this part, so that Joseph ends up behind bars. Nadine was a co-choreographer for this show and along with Amy their moves for individuals and for the ensemble were simple but effective. Carry on the good work.  In jail with Joseph was Morgyn Keeton as the Butler and Adam Black as the Baker. These roles are pivotal for the remainder of the show and I liked the way they interacted with Joseph to have their dreams interpreted. 

Joseph eventually comes to the attention of the Pharoah who is having nightmares and doesnt know what they mean. Ruairi McCormack who played this part was very believable as "The King" and his interpretation was as good as I have seen before.He sung his very difficult music with ease and got a well deserved appreciation from the audience.  Joseph tells him what his dreams mean and it all comes true so Joseph is raised to the nobility.  Famine sets in and the brothers come to Egypt to beg for food and Joseph gets his own back on his brothers and relents to reveal who he really is and they all live happily ever after. 

You might think I have mentioned Joseph a few times but not about his performance. That is because I am speechless. Callen Love was nothing short of spectacular in his portrayal of Joseph. His acting and singing were faultless. Not only does he have stage presence but a great voice too. The experience he is going to gain in Edinburgh where he has moved to University to study Musical Theatre will only enhance his already raft of talent.

This was a performance that will long stay in my memory for the enthusiasm and all I can say is Well Done.

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