Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is the perfect antidote to cold miserable winter days, it is cheerful, bright and uplifting and this production was no exception, leaving the audience on a high as they left the theatre. An audience favourite and box office hit, familiar to so many due to its popularity with schools as well as its timeless catchy score and lyrics from the pens of Sirs Lloyd Webber and Rice. The plot is based on the Old Testament story of the youngest son of Jacob, it tells of Joseph’s betrayal by his jealous brothers and his being sold into slavery and subsequent rise to power as a result of his dream interpreting skills.

The set consisted of a raised platform at the rear of the stage which housed a video screen and there was a staircase either side of the it used to seat the onstage choir and as access for the upper area. The screen helped let the audience know where we were in the story and was also used to good effect in the “big” numbers with rainbow colours and moving patterns. The orchestra under the direction of David created a lovely sound and were a testament to the level of talent engaged. Costumes were mostly traditional with modern additions for the numbers where necessary and everyone looked the part, the large coat being a finale highlight. The choreography by Scott was interesting to watch and everyone executed it well, Scott created numbers embracing the different levels of skill within his cast to good effect, the “Hoe down” and “Go, Go, Go Joseph” were highlights for me together with the energy of the “Mega Mix”.

The young on-stage choir sang beautifully, and their discipline was really good – no fidgeting – which is a huge achievement when they didn’t get an opportunity to leave the stage, well done everyone. The chorus sang and danced with great enthusiasm and the “brothers” worked well together with strong singing. The featured brothers: Simon Devlin as Reuben (One More Angel), Andy Key as Dan (Those Canaan Days) and Scott Brannigan-Howes as Judah (Benjamin Calypso) all led their respective numbers well with good vocals and characterisation. The supporting roles of Mrs Potiphar (Jo Whitfield), the Baker (Gary Nugent) and the Butler (Tom Quinn) were all well portrayed. Bill Collins was endearing as Jacob and commanding as Potiphar; he can always be relied upon to do a good job. Martin Gray as Pharaoh had the audience in the palm of his hand and made the most of his "Song of the King" in his “Elvis” like portrayal, great energy and singing. Claire Garbutt was perfect as the narrator, she had clear diction and pure vocals which meant she kept the narrative flowing and the audience knowing where we were in the story, so important in a sung through piece. As Joseph, Lee Brannigan was literally living the dream, I have known Lee since he was 11 years old and know how much playing this part meant to him. Lee sang so well and looked every bit the star. He led his company well and as director too must have been very pleased with the audience response to the show. This was an enjoyable production and one of the best I have seen CAOS perform, well done to the production team and company for a job well done! I look forward to hearing what your next main society production will be.

After the performance I was honoured to be asked to present NODA long service awards totalling 220 years to Glenis Smith (55 years), Jackie Ranson (55 years), Bill Collins (40 years), Julie Ives (40 years), Andy Key (25 years) and Anna Eddon (5 years). Congratulations everyone and thank you for your service to amateur theatre.

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