Musical Review: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Perspective 1: Jess Rushton

For anyone with interest in musical theatre, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a classic, well-known musical. With music from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lyrics by Tim Rice, I had high expectations for the show, and it did not disappoint.

Based on the story of Joseph from the Bible, the musical is told through the eyes of the Narrator (Alexandra Burke) who effortlessly guides the audience through the story of Joseph, adding understanding and meaning throughout the show. Because her character is not part of the story, she was almost separate from the others, and gave small signals and interactions to the audience, making me feel included in the production and Joseph’s journey. Her voice is incredible and there were several moments where she took my breath away.

Her voice is incredible and there were several moments where she took my breath away

The Narrator and Joseph (Jac Yarrow) truly did lead the show and their pairing was charismatic and fun. Joseph’s character takes quite the hit at the start of the show, when he is sold by the rest of his brothers out of jealously for his beautiful, multicoloured coat and the fact that they believe he is their father’s favourite. However, Joseph stays positive throughout, eventually coming out of top under the favour of the Pharaoh and is reunited with his family later on in the show.

The characters of the Narrator and Joseph are key to the story, and the production would seriously suffer without them. However, this in no way negates the talent and effort of the ensemble whose dancing was stunning in every number they were a part of. Playing multiple groups of people, they were key in showing the different settings of the story, from playing Joseph’s brothers and their wives to the Ishmaelites and Egyptians.

I was blown away by Yarrow’s acting during this song, feeling every emotion he portrayed and understanding his vulnerability in that moment

Almost every song in this show is upbeat, with the exception of ‘Close Every Door,’ the penultimate song in Act I, sung by Joseph while he is imprisoned. I was blown away by Yarrow’s acting during this song, feeling every emotion he portrayed and understanding his vulnerability in that moment. His voice is also incredible and every note he sang came out with ease, despite his raw emotions. If the highlight of Act I was ‘Close Every Door,’ then the highlight of Act II is the complete opposite, with the introduction of the Pharaoh (Jason Donovan) who had the audience in hysterical laughter throughout his song ‘Pharaoh’s Story.’

The most surprising aspect of the show for me was the immense talent of the child cast. They were on stage almost as much as the adult ensemble and all had considerable roles, singing solos, and taking on important character’s, such as Joseph’s brothers. I can only imagine how intimidating it is to sing on stage in front of hundreds of people, with an entire adult cast around you but they showed no fear, and they were as much a part of the show as the adult cast.

The closing of Joseph was perhaps one of my favourites I have ever seen with the ‘Joseph Megamix.’ It had every audience member up on their feet clapping and enjoying the music and was a moment that could occur with the atmosphere of live theatre. With snippets from many of the songs in the show, it was the perfect way to show off the different characters and the storyline one more time in the most up-beat, joyful way I’ve seen in a musical.

The tour of Joseph opened in Manchester on 23rd March this year and continues touring until September. I would encourage anyone who enjoys musical theatre to book tickets and have a joyful evening with the amazing cast.

Rating: 5/5

Perspective 2: Charis Gambon

The design of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat was outstanding. The colours fit the theme perfectly and the star at the back of the stage was such an ingenious idea. The coat was clearly modernised from its typical form but it suited the performance perfectly. I believe it was the perfect modern coat for a modern interpretation of Joseph.

Jac Yarrow was outstanding as Joseph. The energy and enthusiasm provide by Yarrow perfectly fitted the role of Joseph. His acting ability was strong which led the way for the other actors in the performance to follow is strong lead. His singing was powerful and adapted well to the role. He sang my favourite song from the performance ‘any dream will do’ to the best of his ability. I could not have asked for a better Joseph. Yarrow played a boatsful and supreme Joseph incredibly well and he was certainly believable within the role.

Burke’s singing abilities are outstanding and really suited to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Alexandra Burke was phenomenal as the Narrator. She really set the tone for the rest of the play. Her range was impeccable; it was clear when she was playing characters such as ‘Jacob’ and when she was the narrator. Burke’s singing abilities are outstanding and really suited to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. I do not think there could have been a better narrator. She was perfect with the children and her interactions with them were natural which added to the atmosphere.

Jason Donovan was a great choice for Pharaoh. His singing voice was believable within the role and he certainly posed the attitude to play the role. The modern adaptation of this role was certainly hilarious. Watching Donovan play a pharaoh who was clearly influenced by Elvis via the dancing and the LED welcome to Egypt sign was certainly a highlight of the show.

The actors who portrayed the brothers were incredibly suited to each specific role and their personality’s truly shone through. You could certainly feel that the eleven brothers were a unit against Joseph. The unity and harmony between the brothers was flawless and certainly added to the atmosphere of the show. The development of the brothers feeling towards Joseph can certainly be felt through the strong acting.

I particularly loved the effort that had gone into designing the set for the Pharaoh. I found it absolutely hilarious how the statues had guitars. The set for each scene was incredibly well thought through and enhanced the story. The use of colour to demonstrate the emotions was genius. The costumes were outstanding. I loved how the costumes for each character and set suited perfectly. Even when actors were reused it was not at all obvious, and it was ingenious to demonstrate the demise of the brothers through the increasing lack of colour.

The child actors who were part of Joseph were superb and played their roles perfectly. All of the children involved added to the atmosphere and story. They will certainly all have great careers within the industry when they are older.