Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

The iconic musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd  Webber took inspiration from the ‘Coat of Many Colours’ story from the Bible’s Book of Genesis. Premiered in 1972, almost 5 decades later it still holds its appeal today and the Norbury Youth version was no exception.

The central character Joseph was brilliantly played by Frankie Blincoe-Deval, from his majestic entrance, singing whilst moving through the auditorium, Frankie instantly displayed a magnetism, with a smiling face that lit up the stage. With a voice to match, each number was tuneful and strong.

The four narrators were excellent. Darcie-Ella Eglesfield, Katie Lawson, Erin Maiden and Charlotte Mortimer presented the story with clarity and poise, sang well with some great harmonies. Jacob’s eleven brothers were also played with great strength of characterisation and worked extremely well together in some well choreographed and finely rehearsed routines. Musical numbers were all strong and I particularly enjoyed ‘One More Angel in Heaven / Hoedown’ and ‘Those Canaan Days’. The Father Jacob, was sympathetically played by Matthew Tennant and Jack Brown, as Pharaoh gave a strong rendition of ‘Song of the King’ in Act 2.

Lois Press in her Norbury debut as choreographer produced a great variety of dance to enjoy which the company excelled in and the entire cast were very well dressed; Joseph’s coat was magnificent and his finale coat and parachute certainly had the wow factor.

The set on several levels was excellent, taking full advantage of the depth of stage and this was well lit throughout. The orchestra led by Laurence Nicholas was balanced and never overpowered the cast and the sound complimented the overall performance. Director Sam Jeffrey and the remainder of the team are to be congratulated on an excellent production which was a pleasure to attend.

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