Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

What could have been better for my first visit to Burton on Trent but to attend The Brewhouse Arts Centre for the last but one performance of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ by The Mellow Dramatics.

Having seen the show numerous times in the past I was hugely looking forward to the show after receiving a welcome Front of House and into the auditorium. The set was simple but very effective comprising of very colourful rostrum on three levels. Props were well hidden on the set.

The younger members of the ensemble wore coloured tee shirts which mostly coordinated when they sat on the rostrum. They sat still with hands on laps, many were very enthusiastic when singing.

Lucy Robinson as Narrator was great and took us through the show with strength and confidence.

The lead role fell to Jonathan Moore who gave an outstanding performance. You could hear a pin drop during ‘Close Every Door’ as Jonathan took us through this and each and every musical number involving him.

Pharoah (The King) is usually played like Elvis. Kieran Barrett’s performance gave a good interpretation of the role, including playing to the audience.

The Ishmaelites were great with their false beards.

A good performance from Peter Smith as Jacob and the remaining 11 brothers.  I really enjoyed ‘One More Angel in Heaven’ which was packed with energy as well as ‘Those Canaan Days’ and ‘Benjamin Calypso’. Finally an equally good performance by Andrew Warner and Olivia Matlock as Potiphar and Mrs Potiphar.  

Joseph is a relatively short show – however the mega mix was also performed. This is basically a feel-good reprise of the show done with great energy and often getting the audience clapping along. Only one word for how this was done – Fantastic. The choreography among the whole cast including the ensemble on the rostrum was brilliant.

Costumes were good – really no rules with this show as not only biblical but also 1930’s  (Noël  Coward like), cow people and French traditional. The ‘coat’ was good and very colourful and of course the obligatory parachute filled the stage at the finale.

The eight members of the band sounded fabulous under the direction of Tim Robinson.

Did I enjoy the show – yes, yes, yes.

Thank you for the kind invite and I look forward to seeing you again for Rock of Ages in September.

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