Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

It was a hugely impressive set with giant panels that beautifully framed each scene. At the back, was set an elevated walkway that encompassed the orchestra and gave a good platform for the Ensemble to present and perform.

Lighting was precise and attractive with dramatic projections. Smoke machines were used effectively.  Sound was well handled. Voices stood out against the big band sound.

The programme was attractive and well-designed, with pics and plentiful information on the artistic team and the cast. There were a few misprints here and there. It was nice to see other societies’ forthcoming productions advertised.

Costuming such a huge cast must have been a daunting proposition. The team produced a delightful selection of outfits, that were colourful and varied…Middle-Eastern, French provincial, Country and Western, cabaret, etc.

The Narrator (Lily Porter) sang a lovely, clear Prologue to set the scene and was accompanied by the children in fine voice. Lily sang really well, danced divinely and dominated her scenes.

Ben Hopkins, as Joseph, gave a fine, gentle performance that suited his character so well. His Any Dream Will Do was beautifully sung. His acting and singing were of extremely high standard throughout the show.

There was a huge explosion of anger by Joseph’s ten brothers, during Joseph’s Dreams. They all worked well, displayed interesting & individual characters and certainly did the work of eleven men.

Ruben’s (Joe Halligan) song One More Angel in Heaven was a fun Country and Western spoof that was followed by an exultant Hoedown, as the brothers and their ladies celebrated the loss of Jacob’s little favourite. Potiphar, played by Toby James, was dignified with a good, strong voice; whilst his spouse, Mrs Potiphar (Karen Rapps) was suitably seductive.

Close Every Door was a stunning presentation, followed by Go, Go, Go Joseph that reprised as the lively ACT I finale, with the children beautifully precise.

Lily opened ACT II, narrating A Pharaoh’s Story and Poor, Poor Pharaoh about the dreams plaguing the Pharaoh of Egypt. In Song of the King, Pharaoh (Brandon J Arnold) describes his dreams through a fun Elvis number, backed by a fine, tightly co-ordinated dance. His singing and characterisation were very good, but his diction was indistinct in this number.

Those Canaan Days was a gloriously funny French parody from Simeon (Jamie McFadden) and Jacob (Alex Derbie), accompanied by the Narrator’s lovely dancing. Samuel Beven, as Judah, led the brothers in a lively & enjoyable Benjamin Calypso, accompanied by excellent, precise dancing.

The brothers were forgiven, Jacob & Joseph reunited; and Joseph reprised a stunning Any Dream Will Do, with the Narrator and Ensemble, as the finale. This was followed by Close Every Door with the children and a Megamix of songs by the Ensemble.

Lindsay Swift choreographed a succession of beautiful dance sequences that enhanced each scene. Jamie Cordell’s music was big, attractive and joyful; and it complemented the singing perfectly.

Under John Harries-Rees’ confident direction, the principals and ensemble maintained their characters and played their hearts out.

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