Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat  

Date: 31st October 24 

Playhouse Theatre 

Produced: Weston Super Mare Operatic Society 

Directed: Ian Doswell 

Musical Director: Annie Ford 

Choreographer: Felicity Berry assisted by Abbie Elkins 

Children’s Director: Liz Mount 

Noda Rep: Mike Purnell 

It would be so easy to sum this show up in one word. Joyous! Probably one of the  most watched shows over the years having been continuously on tour and forever  in and out of the Westend. Having been in it myself three times and most likely  seen it 103 times it’s one of those you never tire of. Providing it’s done well of  course.  

The standard of WOS shows has been incredible over the past few years and this  was nothing short of extremely professional. Let me get my own personal  reservation out of the way. I was really looking forward to seeing how this show  worked with three Narrators. My issue with this was having picked three extremely  talented vocalists, with three very different personalities I felt they distracted from  the actual show and story. For me it became their show and what were they going  to wear next. We all love a costume change, but I think I can see why it was  originally written the way it was with one Narrator who was normally in black all  through but still stood out and did just shift the story along. I loved the idea of the  pop girl group opening but as soon as those powerful vocals and harmonies hit I  was thinking where is this going? Personally I’d have liked more solo work if you  were going to do it this way and I missed the “money” notes at the end of songs  as they were often harmonised. I’m most likely in the minority and many won’t  agree, but it is just my take on this idea that all three girls were outstanding and  maybe this was the problem. What a problem to have!!  

I loved the simplicity of the set which was tremendously lit and the colours just  polished it off a treat. All the bits and pieces that flew in did a great job of creating  Pharoah’s palace and the camel was adorable. The pace was breathtaking all  through. Not a gap to be had, everything was covered. I loved that. We couldn’t  take a breath until the interval and boy did we need it.  

I felt all the comedy had maximum effect and the vocals were just superb, as good  as any professional production I’ve seen. I loved how everybody had a moment to  shine and took it and ran with it. This was an extremely strong team from front of  house to backstage and certainly onstage. Everybody was so well focused with  strong intention to do a good job. This reflected on the audience and without  doubt I witnessed everyone leaving the auditorium singing and dancing. That’s  what we call a great night out. 

Orchestra  

What a line up once again. Despite you being way up in the rafters the sound came  through perfectly. The balance with the singers was just right. Very well judged by  the sound engineers. My very slight reservation was we had a dip in music during  the dance breaks. Im not sure why but where as the singers were well supported  the dance breaks just fell short slightly. But the quality of musicianship under the  Baton of Annie Ford was superb. Such a great team.  

Choreography  

This was a feast for the eyes. So much going on and so much to watch. I loved it.  You had a lot of talent on that stage so I felt you could really go to town and you  did. You made everybody look good. Not always easy without compromising. I  thought the shapes and pictures you created were wonderful. I’m sure Abbie Elkins  was a fantastic right hand to have and I must say I really enjoyed her solo dancing.  The children certainly warmed up as the show progressed by the end we were  getting some great expressions and looseness of movement. We forget how  daunting it can be in front of a full audience especially with little experience but  they all had potential and hope to see them all in the youth group in the future.  

Lighting and Sound  

Not much to comment on this really. Technically everything worked a treat. It  looked great, the moods were certainly created well. Sound wise the balance was  terrific between singers and the Band. The only issue I had were the three  narrators didn’t quite have the warmth of sound in the balance as the men had. At  times it became a bit shrill and toppy mainly when singing together. All solos were  excellent especially the solo soprano.  

Joseph  

What a great part for you. You absolutely nailed the singing. Any Dream and Close  Every Door just suited you perfectly. Great diction and as always such a strong  stage presence. Your emotions came through from when you were happy go lucky  to the young man you became working for Pharoah. I really enjoyed watching your  performance. Just to be a bit nit picky (sorry) I didn’t like the white vest I’d have  put a loose fitting collarless white shirt over the top of it just to complete the outfit.  The rest looked really in keeping and fitted nicely. Can’t wait for your next one.  

Narrators  

Having already got my reservations out of the way about having three narrators  there is no denying you three are up there with the best of them. You all looked  absolutely stunning. My favourite was the opening black all slightly different but  suited your personalities. I’d have been happy with this all through act one. Vocally  too you girls are at the top of your game. I would have liked more solo work from  each of you and been able to enjoy the full range and depth of each of your voices  as I know what powerhouses you all are. You each bought your own personalities  to the vocals and took the show on its rollercoaster of a ride. 

Brothers  

Well what can I say about this band of brothers. Looking at all of you individually  you are all leading men so I expected the excellence we got. I can’t begin to  imagine what it was like working in the rehearsal room with all these huge  personalities, my hat goes off to director/choreographer for keeping you in line.  The choreography and vocals were executed perfectly all bringing your own  personalities to your individual roles but at the same time working so well together  as a team. This was great work and superb energy all through.  

Jacob/Potipher  

Two very different roles which were both delivered brilliantly. You really embodied  Jacob and I must say the makeup was really well done. Potipher was more the  personality we’ve all come to love from you bringing great camp fun to the role.  

Pharoah  

Ok so you upstaged me with the tan! Great make up, hair and I loved the beard.  Good vocals from you as always and loved the nod to the blue suede shoes. Nice  touch.  

All other parts were played extremely well the Baker and Butler brought their own  sense of humour and expressions and delivered strong vocals with Joseph in the  prison cell. Mrs Potipher delivered every ounce of comedy. Big shout out to the  solo soprano too in One More Angel. Spot on and excellent.  

Director/Assistant Director  

I’ve included you both in this as sadly I understand Ian has been quite poorly and  had to miss a lot of this process including the shows themselves. Heartbreaking.  Thank goodness for having an assistant to hand to step in. I must say I loved the  direction of this Joseph. The pace was incredible and despite having to get quite a  few cast on and off during numbers it was drilled to within an inch of its life. The  colours chosen for lighting and costumes were just a dream topped off by the big  magnificent coat. Everyone in the theatre left singing and dancing and I must say I  was still singing Any Dream on Tuesday! This is one we all love and the energies  and personalities that far exceeded just the footlights hit us right between the  eyes. Wish I could have come again.  

Thanks once again Weston for your kind hospitality  

Best wishes to you all 

Mike x

 

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