Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Review Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

This musical follows the story of Jacob’s son Joseph and his eleven brothers, tells of his imprisonment and return again. It is a sung-through musical and from the beginning I thoroughly enjoyed it. The curtains at the front lit in the colours of the rainbow and a live orchestra prepared the audience for what was to follow.

A colourful opening with a stage full of the young children’s choir told the Bible story by the Narrator Beatrice Hooper. A lovely singer with a big future in Musical Theatre ahead of her, at the end of which we met Joseph (Rick Whyte) and the legendary Dreamcoat. He caught the character perfectly showing a naive enjoyment of having the coat and having the singing voice to match.

The youngsters left the stage to sit at the front of the stage facing the audience, joining in the choruses, getting up on stage when required. They were very well behaved and well drilled, looking as if they were enjoying the experience, hopefully for a long time to come.

The stage was then filled with Jacob, the eleven brothers, the Ensemble and the Dancers. The Choreography by Gina Bingham was excellent moving so many people on the small stage was impressive. Ruben (Andy McNally) in One More Angel in Heaven which when it turned into a how-down amused the audience. Potiphar (Tom Marr also playing Jacob) looked impressive in his regal costume and again we saw another stage full of colour and joy. Joseph’s downfall was brought about by a very alluring and persuasive Mrs Potiphar (Felicity Boggis) and brought the first act to a close.

The second half introduced The Pharaoh otherwise known as The King (Chris Berry) doing a very good impression of Elvis looking and sounding the part. Entertaining some ladies in the Audience with an offstage performance. Also I enjoyed Those Canaan Days sung by Simon (Simon Rothwell) who danced l’apache style with Felicity and with the story completed when all was forgiven, a party began with Judah (Thea Farman)singing Benjamin Calypso to bring the story to an end.

Congratulations to the lighting, sound, wardrobe and staging which all made the show complete. Special mentions to Musical Directors (Jonathan Mitra and Millie Ramsden) and Director Stephen Wrathall for all their hard work in producing such a wonderful show.

The whole cast are to be congratulated for their performances, it is good to see them all enjoying the experience. This is a real Community Society and long may it be so.

Well done to all concerned.

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