Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

After a long and eventful journey from auditions back in April 2024 to the final performances in October 2025, Walney Juniors finally took to the stage with their production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. St Bernard’s School provided an intimate but welcoming setting for this reimagined version of the classic Lloyd Webber and Rice musical, bursting with youthful energy, colour and commitment from start to finish.

The central character of the show is of course, Joseph. Tobi Parkinson in the role of Joseph, sang with confidence, conviction and charm, leading the cast with poise well beyond his years. 

The role of the Narrator is usually played by one person - in this production, the role was split between 3 people- Tilly Field, Poppy Ashton Gomersall and Grace Rutherford. Tilly, Poppy and Grace guided us through the story with perfect tone, harmonies and diction, bridging the space between ensemble and audience with consummate ease.

Joseph is, of course favourite son of Jacob, played with aplomb by Ruby Dale. Ruby played this role very tongue in cheek, and you could tell she thoroughly enjoyed it.

The brothers (complete with painted beards and some plucked eyebrows) were played by Henry Powell (Rueben), Dylan Wood (Zebulan), Eddie Burns (Judah), James Duncan-Matalavea (Benjamin), Luke Dodd (Gad), Jonah Jepson (Dan), Ayla Johnson (Naphtali), Noah Jepson (Asher), Lily Caldwell (Isaachar), Daniel Richardson (Simeon) and  Oliver Barrow (Levi)- the latter two (Daniel and Oliver) doubling up for Potipher and Pharaoh respectively. All of the brothers were bursting with personality, clearly relishing every moment. With Henry Powell's excellent exuberant dancing and Daniel's outrageous French take on Canaan, how could you possibly go wrong?

Oliver Barrow brought the house down with his Elvis inspired turn as Pharaoh, leaving everyone grinning from ear to ear- we were so glad to be at the front for this one, as the microphone gremlins decided to make an appearance.  Luckily for us, we heard and saw it all.

All of these roles were well supported by Eleanor Boyd, Milly Isaacs, Mairead O'Flynn and Ruben Harvey (Potipher's Wife, Butler, Baker and Guard) and the incredibly enthusiastic chorus.

There were a few technical hiccups with microphones on the night, but the cast handled them with remarkable professionalism, never letting it break their focus or their rhythm. Their projection, teamwork and quick recovery showed how much they’ve learned through the rehearsal process.

The choreography by Sue Lloyd Roberts deserves particular praise - brilliantly staged, energetic, and packed with life. The dance numbers were electric, full of synchronised movement, expressive faces and sheer joy. It’s rare to see such consistency of energy across a young cast, and the result was utterly infectious.

Musical direction by Paul Blake kept everything moving with confidence and warmth, and the band provided excellent support to the singers, giving the familiar score both sparkle and balance.

Director Mark Johnson deserves huge credit for shaping such a strong and positive production out of a year and a half of perseverance. The staging was clever, the storytelling clear, and the spirit of the show shone brightly throughout.

By the time the Megamix began, the audience were clapping along, completely caught up in the colour and excitement radiating from the stage.

It’s been no small achievement for this company. After the loss of their main venue, simply bringing Joseph to life was a triumph in itself — a testament to the group’s determination, teamwork and community spirit. The opening number set the tone immediately- bright, bold and full of movement, with an infectious enthusiasm that didn’t dip for a moment.

Walney Juniors’ Joseph was more than just a musical - it was a celebration of resilience, teamwork and the pure joy of performing. After such a long road to opening night, this young company delivered a show filled with heart, movement and an energy that never stopped shining. A technicolor triumph in every sense.

Thank you, Walney Juniors, for your invite and hospitality

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