JOSEPH and the AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

I was delighted to attend Letchworth Arcadians production of Joseph in their 70th Anniversary Year, and what an energetic and excellent production.  The energy exuded from the whole cast and communicated through to the audience, a real feel-good show.

The set was simple, but effective, with good lighting, and sound was exemplary, I was very impressed that the 7 young people were not mic’d, but we heard them very well, they performed well.

The costumes were wonderful, colourful and suitable, they were fresh and bright, a big shout out to Jacquie Maddison and her team who made the majority of costumes, no mean feat, I was suitably impressed.  Attention to detail was there, even to the ladies footwear which were matching…very effective and pleasing to the eye.

Musically secure, the band sounded first-class and the cast, both principals and ensemble, were well-drilled in all the musical numbers, achieving a good sound with lovely harmonies.  Accompanied by good and imaginative choreography, this made for a very fine production.  I enjoyed the use of the young people in Close Every Door, it lightened the number, and the hoe-down was particularly lively.  I enjoyed Immy Kidman’s dance, but would have liked to see some colour in her dress, as she was all in black against black floor and tabs, but she danced very confidently with finesse.

The Narrators, Sophie Walker, charming and extremely tuneful (in peach jacket and headband) and Lucy Walker, slightly more serious but beautiful high notes (in mint green jacket and headband), both expressive and holding the whole production together, were delightful.

Craig Prutton was a fine Joseph, giving us strength but calm in equal measures, I enjoyed his performance throughout, his voice was expressive, giving us some unexpected nuances to familiar music.

Pharaoh is always a fun character, played with vigour and the required nod to Elvis by Graeme Bussey, who looked the part and added humour and always a different note to the rest of the cast.

Jacob was nicely played by Keith Lander, with the Brothers portrayed in their diversity by good performers, I noticed three female performers within the group, but they did not stand out as different to the others, which was nicely achieved.  A good grouping who added much to the production.

Potiphar (Robert Driver), his Wife (Samantha Brown), again performed well and added a different vibe to the production.  Other small but important roles were also undertaken with drive.

The ladies ensemble created a lovely sound, and undertook various roles, but for me the stand out scene was them as Egyptians, the costumes and make up were stunning, and they all performed so well – a great group.

I was very impressed on all levels by this production, good performances from all involved and a high level of accomplishment.

My thanks to Letchworth Arcadians for their hospitality, we were made to feel extremely welcome, and enjoyed the evening very much.

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