Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a fabulously colourful, energetic, warm, and well performed musical, presented by Bel Canto Performing Arts at the Old Mill Theatre. The cast is young - aged 8-18 - which is particularly fitting, as ‘Joseph’ was originally written for school children to perform.

Superbly narrated, with personality and gorgeous voices by Cadie Smythe and Bella Freeman, the story follows the biblical story of Joseph, son of Jacob. Jack Churchman anchors the show beautifully in a very well acted performance.

Jacob, patriarch of a large family is played very nicely (with some perfectly appropriate over acting at times) by Michael Phillips. His sons were a great team - with well polished performances by Abby Letts (Napthal), Daisy Churchman (Levi), Darcey McDonald (Dan), David Bell (Zebulon), Josh White (Reuben), Mary Scott (Isaachar), Molly Johnson (Gad), Peter Jacobs (Judah), Rowan Marley (Simeon), Sean Cleaver (Benjamin) and Xavier Postma (Asher).

Potiphar is played with pomp and power by Cameron Clear, with Sienna Freeman terrific as temptress Mrs Potiphar. Ryan Boultbee captures the pop-hero in the part of the Pharaoh, with lovely work from Charlize Kiely and Francesca Postma as the Baker and Butler.

This show is very dependent on its ensemble, and this show does not disappoint with a vibrant chorus supportive throughout - the numbers boosted by most of the principal performers doing double duty. The singing is great (director Katherine Freind also musical director) and the peppy choreography by Matilda Jenkins is well polished and nicely executed.

A simple, multi-level set is brought to life with some innovative lighting design, with great colour, by Don Allen. Costuming (by Penny Linley, Neroli Sweetman and Katherine Freind) nicely evokes the period, with some lovely surprise details, and the bright show shirts worn by the ensemble are particularly impressive.

Originally slated for a July performance, this was a production that was worth the wait. Family friendly, performed with finesse and lots of fun, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a lovely pre-Christmas gift to its audience.

Kimberley Shaw