Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Youth Group Production

Fresh from winning Best Youth Musical at the District 8 awards, Centre Stage Youth Theatre Company were back on stage with their production of the classic ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’. Jill Mason directed the production. There was a good mix of the traditional with the costuming and modern aspect of the staging. The staging was very good, with Potiphar’s rooms set stage left and right throughout, and three pyramids made out of LED light bars being the main focus. These were excellently used, with them representing the tents of the Hebrew people before transforming to the pyramids of Egypt – very effective. The young performers were confident and very professional, which is testament to Jill’s work as director. There were some very good characterisations from the principal cast, with the brothers each having their own individuality, which was nice to see. The costumes were very good, showing the difference between the poor Hebrews and the opulent Egyptian robes. The technicolor dreamcoat was very good as well.

Debs Stokes took the helm as musical director. Watching Debs work always brings a smile to the face. Her energy is infectious, which resulted in confident performances from those on stage. The cast performed to backing tracks, which they all did brilliantly with. It’s a challenging piece with it being entirely sung through, and the cast were on top form, with some lovely vocal moments throughout.

The choreographer was Kim Woodall. The choreography was varied and executed well by the cast. The snake dance performed when Joseph arrived in Egypt was a great concept and performed well. The choreography in the Megamix was great – full of energy and executed well.

Technical elements were top notch throughout. The lighting design was great – bright and colourful. The LED bars used were great as well. The sound design was excellent. The balance between the backing tracks and performers was fantastic.

Taking on the title role was Arran Johnstone. This was a confident performance from Arran, and he appeared very comfortable on the stage. Arran’s vocals were very good throughout, delivering the emotional numbers very well. He created believable relationships with his brothers, and worked well with them.

Erika Davenport and Rose Mendham played the Narrators. Both Erika and Rose worked well together in telling the story, being the link between the audience and the characters. The vocals were very good from both. The reactions from both were good as well, particularly the moment between Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife, creating a humorous moment.

Luca Farrall did well as Pharaoh, as well as playing Issachar. Luca’s Pharaoh was suitably funny, and he gave us a good Elvis impression. If anything, just be careful with your diction, especially when using a strong accent.

Charlie Mills was kept busy throughout as Potiphar, Simeon and Baker. A very talented performer who performed these roles with ease. Charlie had a good stage presence and drew your attention, especially in the scenes with the brothers.

The ensemble of brothers (Matthew Hampson, Jamie Cam, Charlotte McCurdy, Finley Hayes, Alana Craven, Eugene Millington, Harry Luby, Paulo Thompson and Fin Diamond) were a cohesive unit. Each was totally invested in what they were doing and they performed their numbers very well. They were able to show their dislike of Joseph to begin with, whilst showing a range of emotions throughout. ‘One More Angel in Heaven’ and ‘Benjamin Calypso’ were excellently performed and full of energy.

Lewis Robinson is proving to be a good character actor, playing Jacob. Using his physicality to show the aging father, Lewis really did throw himself into this role. He had no inhibitions and delivered a good supporting performance.

The ensemble of Wives/Egyptians did very well throughout, providing excellent support in the ensemble numbers. All were confident in the songs and delivering the choreography, working well together and with the rest of the cast.

The Choir were good throughout as well. The styling of them in the blue school uniform was very good. The opening of Act Two with the Choir was good, allowing the younger members of the cast the opportunity to be in the spotlight, performing very well.

Overall, this was a great production, with some fantastic performances, excellent technical elements, and an enthusiastic cast of young performers.

A big thank you to everyone at Centre Stage Youth Theatre Company for their kind invite and their hospitality.

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