Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

It all started with a clear stage, 2 palm trees and a colour washed background which, very soon, was filled with colour, singing and enthusiasm. The story of Joseph was introduced to us by two narrators, Amber Shanley and Louise Percival. When these actors took to the stage, I knew we were in for a treat. Their vocals were strong and clear and, in moments of harmony, just glorious. Ladies, you held the whole of the sung-through show together with confident artistry, humour and a lot of pizzazz!

 When we were introduced to Charlie McCartney as Joseph, the fun really started. Charlie sang, performed and took on the job of moving us through the story with confidence beyond his years. His solo of Close Every Door was particularly poignant and held the audience enthralled.

Nathan Pearce played two roles of Potiphar and Pharaoh and obviously had fun with both roles. He managed to engage the audience with sheer personality and charm. I loved the Elvis moves in Song of the King and his strong vocals. Mrs Potiphar, played by Edith Rayner was a fun, seductive wife with great moves.

I must mention the 3 soloist brothers in the songs. Olivia Stanford as Reuben was terrific and the ‘really happy then really sad ‘differences in the Angel in Heaven and Hoedown song was so much fun to watch. Simeon, played by Tilly Smith, was amazing in Canaan Days as were the rest of the brothers as they threw their imaginary berets away. All the brothers were fantastic, and it was great scanning along the faces to see who was enjoying it the most, especially the long note at the end! And, oh my, Benjamins Calypso, sung by Nathaniel Caldwell, was yet another high point in this terrific show. It was so good….well-done Nathaniel.

I could happily mention every single person in the show because you were each focussed, reacting to the narrative and totally engaged in the story from the 2 serious guards to the gymnastic entertainers! No-one missed a cue, forgot their words or missed a mark when changing the scenery. A lot of work has gone into making the show run smoothly and you all made it look easy. Even the camel couldn’t steal the limelight although he made a really good try.

The Egyptian scenes were really effective with beautiful costumes and the cast holding Egyptian poses for a long time. The costumes were really good all through the show and the props minimal but used well. Lighting and sound were both planned carefully to create the maximum effect.

Choreography and music were really well done and there were some beautiful harmonies which can be tricky to sing when using a backing track. The direction was carefully done to allow all the children to shine, and the show had a great flow and pace. I really liked the fact that the set was unfussy, but the show was rich with colour and music especially when filled with so many talented performers all possessing such enthusiasm and personality

BOSSY should be rightly proud of such a fun and enjoyable production, and I thank all the team and cast for making us feel so welcome. I cannot wait to see your next production.

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