Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

The story of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, needs no introduction. With its fabulous musical score, it’s easy to see why this production remains a firm favourite among theatre groups. It’s the kind of show that lingers with you long after the curtain falls, leaving you singing the songs all the way home.

On arrival, I was greeted with such a lovely warm welcome by the wonderful Rose. Nothing was too much trouble for her, and she truly went the extra mile to make my guest and me feel relaxed and well cared for. Her kindness and attentiveness set the perfect tone for the evening.

The set, featuring double-sided stairs leading to a balcony for dual aspect, was cleverly designed to ensure every performer on stage could be seen, creating a dynamic and engaging visual experience. The attention to detail in the design allowed for seamless transitions and enhanced the storytelling. The lighting was both professional and perfectly executed, adding vibrant colour and atmosphere to every scene, beautifully complementing the action on stage and bringing each moment to life.

The incredible orchestra, led by the talented Joseph Binmore (Conductor & Musical Director), delivered a truly outstanding performance. From the first note to the final chord, their music was first-class, perfectly enhancing the emotion and energy of the entire production. Well done to you all!

My heart melted as the adorable children (aged 4-13 years) led by the Narrator, entered from the back of the hall to sing ‘Any Dream Will Do’. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and it was clear that they had worked incredibly hard to perfect their performance.

The Narrator, played by Kelly Street, absolutely blew me away with her powerful and commanding voice, flawless from start to finish. She was word-perfect, fully in character, and delivered her role with perfection. Her incredible stage presence and captivating performance were truly stunning to watch. Congratulations on such a brilliant performance!

The role of Joseph was played by Toby Hill in a wonderfully sincere and heartfelt portrayal. His expressive facial expressions brought depth to the character, and his connection with the Narrator felt genuine and engaging. His performance was filled with warmth and emotion, and I found ‘Close Every Door’ especially moving, as it was sung with such passion, capturing the audience’s attention with every word.

The brothers, each bringing their own unique character, energy, and charm, were a delight to watch. Together as a group, the sound you produced was truly amazing. Your fantastic dance routines, gorgeous harmonies, and boundless charisma combined to create performances that were not only impressive but also incredibly enjoyable. A special mention must go to Caraleigh Bradley, who portrayed Judah - I absolutely adored your rendition of Benjamin Calypso. Well done! You truly have a stunningly smooth and richly captivating voice.

Trevor Goss, delivered a solid and honest performance as Jacob, embodying the role with a deep sense of care and compassion. He brought a touching sincerity to the character of the doting father with skill and authenticity.

The role of Potiphar, played by Rob Saunders, was absolutely spot on. His performance was both fun and full of character, bringing vibrant charisma and a commanding presence to the stage. His comedic timing and ability to balance authority with humour made the role particularly engaging. Carly Poole, as the seductive temptress Potiphar’s Wife, delivered a well-executed performance full of determined intent, portraying the character’s manipulative nature with precision.

The Butler, played by Rowena Durrant, and The Baker, played by Hannah McGown, were both brilliantly showcased. Your facial expressions were delivered with precision, adding wit and personality to your performances. Both roles were portrayed with great attention to detail, making each character distinctive and memorable.

The Pharaoh, played by Cameron Love, was undoubtedly my favourite character of the whole show. From your confident swagger to your iconic pelvic swing, you fully embodied the role of the ‘King’ with remarkable flair and charisma. Your presence on stage was electric, captivating the audience with every move. Your confidence, humour, and boundless energy brought the character to life in a way that was both compelling and unforgettable. I loved it!

Finally, a special mention to all the incredible ensemble and supporting roles that brought the performance together so beautifully. Each of you brought your characters to life with remarkable energy and enthusiasm. Your hard work and dedication were evident in every scene, making your contributions essential to creating a truly fantastic show.

There were many memorable moments throughout the performance, including clever nods to the present day, such as the use of a mobile phone camera to capture a selfie of Joseph and Potiphar. The French-inspired ‘Those Canaan Days’ was beautifully sung in an impressive French accent by Mike Shepherd-Royal, playing Levi. I particularly loved the addition of the black berets and the charming touch of the accordion player, which perfectly complemented the scene’s atmosphere. ‘One More Angel in Heaven / Hoedown’ was also a highlight for me - the energy was high and full of life. The charming choreography and heartfelt performances showcased the talent and dedication of everyone involved. And finally, the wonderful Camel that not only graced the stage but also made its way up through the aisles, pulling Joseph in his chariot of gold. This creative and fun touch added an extra layer of magic and excitement to the performance.

The costumes were all fabulous and wonderfully designed for each character, making them easily identifiable and adding a distinct personality to every role. The vibrant designs and attention to detail brought an explosion of colour to the stage, enhancing the overall visual impact of the performance and complementing the lively atmosphere of the show.

I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely director Helen Rushton, and it was clear to see how much she enjoyed working with the entire cast and crew. Her passion and dedication shone through, and her vision for this production was brought to life wonderfully by the talented group under her direction. The choreography, skilfully composed by Rachel Worsley, brought an incredible amount of energy to the stage with her action-packed routines. Each number was thoughtfully designed to complement the music and showcase the performers’ enthusiasm and talent.

Congratulations to Axminster Musical Theatre on a fantastic production. This truly was a show of ‘many colours’ - bright, energetic, and bursting with fun and sheer joy from start to finish. I loved every single moment and deeply appreciated the hard work and passion that went into bringing this performance to life. Thank you for such an enjoyable and entertaining evening.

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