Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was first performed on 1st March 1968 in Hammersmith and at that time it was only 15 minutes long as a pop Cantata.  It has now been expanded into a full musical and was first performed in the West End in 1973.  Taken from the book of Genesis this biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob and Joseph's eleven brothers was brought to life by that famous duo Andrew Lloyd Webber (Music) and Tim Rice (Lyrics).

Guiding us through the story were three narrators; Nia Collier, Lesley Collier-Roberts and Katy bond.  Throughout the show all three confidently took on each musical number, giving good individual characterisations.

Wearing the Amazing Dreamcoat and taking on the title role of Joseph, in an effortless portrayal was Rhys Davies, who had an easy unselfconscious stage presence well suited to this role, lending charm to the character. I loved Rhys’s characterisation of this role.  He was very likeable and had the appropriate charm, wit and sex appeal.

The roles of the brothers were played by; David Millard (Reuben), Richard Thomas (Simeon), Gareth Tilley (Levi), Simon Wilsher (Naphtali), Aled Jones-Pritchard (Issachar), Anthony Cannon-Jones (Asher), Alex Brent (Dan), Simon Carter (Zebulun), Kieron Rees (Gad), Josh Stanbury (Benjamin) and Richard Quinn (Judah) supporting each other to form a great team. Each ‘brother’ had an individual character, and collectively looked, acted and sang with confidence.

Smaller roles of Jacob, Potiphar, Mrs Potiphar and Pharaoh were filled by Stephen Lane, Tony Allan, Alison Hawkesworth and Steve Coleman with each performer wringing out every moment of their time on stage each with their own particular characterisation.

The chorus worked hard throughout this production ably supporting the cast.

The production was attractively costumed and the staging worked well, direction, musical direction and choreography were very good . Set, lighting and sound complimented this production.

Congratulations to all involved.

 

 

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