Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

What an explosion of technicolour joy at Wakefield Theatre Royal this week with Wakefield West Riding Theatre Company’s production of the Lloyd-Webber/Rice favourite ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’.   With direction provided by the experienced and creative Dee Bennie-Marshall (who also did choreography) this show was a feel good, high-energy and brilliantly paced performance.  From the moment the band, under the leadership of Musical Director James Greatorex, hit the first note and the stage lit up with a colourful array of lights it was clear that this was going to be a great evening. 

Emily Huddleston as Narrator set the scene and the high standard of performance with her opening prologue which moved beautifully into our introduction to the show’s protagonist, Joseph, played by Dan Fenwick, singing ‘Any Dream Will Do’ with the talented Children's Choir.    Both Huddleston and Fenwick didn’t drop the ball at any point in the production with their very strong vocals, confident moves and a clever entertaining ‘edge’ to their portrayals of these characters who are rarely off stage.    Wonderful performances from two very impressive performers.

Jacob was played by David Hookham, whose ‘aged hippy take’ on the Father of Egypt was great and wonderfully comedic as he engaged with his sons, who led him to believe that his golden child, Joseph, had been killed.  The brothers all gave strong performances dancing and singing with great energy.  The solo performances of Adam Jones (Reuben), Tyler Warren (Judah) and Anthony Larkin (Simeon) were excellent as all three commanded the stage with confidence.

Jonathan Cannon gave the cameo role of Potiphar a whole new twist with his broad Yorkshire accent whilst chewing on a cigar – if Al Capone ever came to Wakefield this is how he would have looked.  Cannon was wonderfully supported by Anna Scarth as the vampish, Mrs Potiphar – a very, very entertaining scene.  Following his dalliance with Mrs Potiphar Joseph is imprisoned and here he meets the Baker (Rachel Hirst Marshall) and the Butler (Claire Hookham Williams) with both roles being excellently delivered ensuring that these characters really made a strong impression in the best of ways.

The ensemble and dance team were strong throughout with great poise and wide smiles.  The dance team seemed to be off and on stage within seconds in a huge variety of costumes so congratulations must also go to the dressers in the wings.  The Narrator is supported by two Divas and these roles were taken by Sophie Parkin and Amelia Depledge whose dancing and singing was very impressive, including a beautifully delivered routine in the dance break of ‘Those Canaan Days’ by Depledge.

The last word really must go to the ‘King’.  Matthew Roddis was hilarious as the Elvis mimicking Pharaoh.  His interactions with the audience brought screams of laughter and I would have paid to be on the stage to see the responses of the poor ‘victims’ in the front rows of the stalls as he managed to sing his number whilst still thrusting, grinding and swinging his microphone in a most provocative way. 

Costumes were modern and upbeat.  The single set, with steps every colour of the rainbow and the stage floor painted to match was perfect for the production.  Sound and light was strong and the pace was incredible.  The audience loved the Joseph Megamix and it most definitely ensured that the show ended on a huge high.

The show was simply huge fun and every single cast member appeared to be having a ball.  Sincere congratulations should be given to the Cast, Crew, Production Team and Committee behind WWRTC who continue to go from strength to strength.

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