Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Joseph is so familiar that for many of the songs I was almost tempted to sing along. It’s not just that I played the lead in 1979 in primary school. (How old must I be?) But this very large cast of under 20 year olds had a stirring impact on the audience. The joyous impeccably drilled choir was bursting with energy from beginning to mega mix finale.

My temptation to at least hum along was further fuelled by the strange phenomena of being able to remember the lyrics to the song listing the colours of Joseph’s coat (red, yellow, green, brown all the way to blue)  25 years after appearing in the show, even though I can forget a name told to me a few days before.

The impressive large orchestra under the baton of Peter Hayward combined with the sweet philharmonic sized choir meant we could forgive the regular herding of scores of very young performers (aged it looked at young as six) out the very front of the stage which appeared to be more for the benefit of their parents and grandparents than telling the story.

They were used more effectively when given something cute to do that related to the narrative – such as playing sheep.

The cast had a large and colourful set – designed by Simon Greer - to play with. Helped by creative lighting from Sean Clarke and costumes from Audrey Currie was always attractive to look at.

Onto the stage burst the very close to twenty-year-old Imraan Daniels as Joseph. He sang impressively and was credible as he led the story from beloved spoilt son, to slave, to prisoner to Prime Minister.

Joseph  (originally written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice for a school) is an unusual musical in respect that it traverses  many different styles of song. 

It includes a parody of a French ballad "Those Canaan Days", the Elvis inspired "Song of the King", the western "One More Angel In Heaven",  the 1920s  Charleston "Potiphar” and also a slice of Calypso  in "Benjamin Calypso".

Tight choreography from Katrina Gooding helped make this a celebration of the different genres on display. She had able assistance from the eleven brothers who sustained energy and focus throughout the performance.

There is always anticipation when Pharaoh (Elvis) enters the stage to ask Joseph to interpret his dreams. 18-year-old Henry Wright gave an athletic hip swivelling performance which delighted the audience.

Also impressive in never missing a note was 14-year-old narrator Harmony Lovegrove. (What a fabulous stage name that is!)

Former yellow wiggle Sam Moran played Jacob. He was not assisted by make-up that was a little on the exaggerated side and took time to ease out of children’s performer mode. The schmaltz of Those Canaan Days in the second act made him more endearing.

Overall it was excellent family entertainment that will help inspire more youngsters to participate in and attend musicals.

David Spicer

Images: Entire cast, Imraan Daniels, Harmony Lovegrove, Henry Wright, Jacob and the Brothers, Sam Moran and Imraan Daniels & Imraan Daniels. Photographer: Grant Leslie from Perfect Images.