Joseph and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat

A lovely group of youngsters aged 5-15 years and all giving so much on stage: loved the tiny 5-year-olds in the ‘side choir’ and certainly they sang up well and knew the words, good to start them so young to give confidence and stage presence.

The production team of Zelda Rolfe, Leigh Sharpe, and Michelle Clarke really encouraged the talent and gained confidence in this mostly inexperienced youth group and it is very rewarding to see the potential coming to fruition.

All the ‘brothers’ supported each other to form a great team, they sang and moved well in all their numbers, and really were the back-bone of the action, and some lovely little cameos showing what will be the future as they develop their talents.  Strong backing from the ‘wives’ to aid the singing chorus.   And dance skills to the fore in the black and white Potiphar sequence.   A really good ‘company’ show.

First big role to Kieran Shooter as Joseph and he grew into the part as the ongoing performance continued (microphone gremlins overcome without fuss) and really dominated by the time he reached the prison scene with his big number. And how well he worked in all the company numbers in the harmonies, someone to look for in future.   And James Howard, after his Mr Tom appearance, certainly showed a confidence gained with Potiphar and then enjoyment with his Calypso number, very strong.   Nice little performances (very clear) from Butler and Baker.   And against the ‘Tut’ mask, what an extrovert Pharaoh from Josiah Blake with no lack of confidence there.

As the king-pin performer holding all together with story, style, and personality, I could hardly believe that the role of Narrator was played by one only just 15 years such was the professionalism, huge vocal talent, and magnetism on stage from Kayleigh Gare as she shone throughout the entire performance (this is not just good youth but must be professional stage school material and I shall watch for her in the future lit up in London).

But really Joseph is such a great show to start children towards performance, perfect for this age group (written for them), and giving so much enjoyment to performers and audience alike with all that familiar music, a favourite of all and an excellent evening.

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