Joseph & the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Joseph has long been a favourite Lloyd-Webber of mine along with JCS, which I recently enjoyed seeing the adult company perform. It was then, very exciting to see how the younger members of ESOSOC would measure up to the adult company and if they would be able to maintain the same high standard. I need not have asked the question as immediately the production started it was clear that they were equally slick and committed.

Fiona Bryne's direction was clear and effective while still making best use of minimal set and augmented with creative and colourful lighting, by Will Perkins. Equally, while Martin Sargeson had the benefit of thirteen different instruments in his eight piece band, he managed to keep a balance and articulate the score without ever overpowering the performers. Alys Dreux choreography was fabulous making great use of the large stage area while still maintaining sufficient individual opportunities for the performers to make it intimate. Sound, Costumes, Makeup and Properties were all first class too and the production was slickly stage managed by Martin Allitt.

Annabelle Van Dort, Benita Murphy and Emily Atkinson shared the Narration role and along with Gabe Moody [Pharoah] Jacob Carter [Naphtali] and the eleven brothers gave very good performances both vocally and in delivery of committed and believable character performances. However there were two outstanding performances for me which merit particular note and these were from Hugh Blayney in the title role and Keir Gilbert-Halladey [Reuben], both of whom gave one hundred percent and were utterly captivating to watch from start to finish. Both of them are performers I tip to watch for future great success in their performing careers.

This was a great first experience of the youth section of the group ESOSOC, and both I and daughter, Emily, both look forward to supporting many more in future.

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