Review: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – The Mayflower, Southampton, 2 April 2013
Go-go-go Joseph! The dreamer is back and is taking his ‘coat of many colours’ on tour around the UK in director Bill Kenwright’s production of one of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s oldest and most successful musicals.
Starring Keith Jack, runner-up of the 2007 BBC television programme Any Dream Will Do, I defy anyone attending this dynamic production not to find themselves singing and dancing their way through some of the catchiest songs in show-business.
Jack first began playing the role of Joseph in 2010, and his performance demonstrates why he came so close to claiming the role six years ago; from his enormous smile and undeniable charisma, to his marvellous vocal control, he is a rightful leading-man.
Jack first began playing the role of Joseph in 2010, and his performance demonstrates why he came so close to claiming the role six years ago; from his enormous smile and undeniable charisma, to his marvellous vocal control, he is a rightful leading-man.
Lauren Ingram guides us spiritedly through the narrative of the all-singing show, the varying pace of the score allowing her to present her voice’s wonderful range.
Luke Jasztal’s satirical depiction of the Elvis-style Pharaoh has us all chuckling at ‘The King’ in his characteristic white Elvis suit with added Egyptian oomph.
Luke Jasztal’s satirical depiction of the Elvis-style Pharaoh has us all chuckling at ‘The King’ in his characteristic white Elvis suit with added Egyptian oomph.
The casting of Joseph’s eleven brothers has been done with great care, each brother exhibiting a different personality, in particular Benjamin played by the enthusiastic Benjamin Pomeroy, from Southampton.
For Benjamin and several others in the cast, this production of Joseph has seen them make their professional debuts, and it is great to see performers relatively early on in their careers helping generate such a fantastic show.
For Benjamin and several others in the cast, this production of Joseph has seen them make their professional debuts, and it is great to see performers relatively early on in their careers helping generate such a fantastic show.
The show provides many comic moments, particularly the sheep which inflate rapidly onstage during the depiction of Joseph’s farming family, but sometimes struggle to remain upright, to big laughs from the audience.
The one-liners from Jack and other cast members maintain the witty element of what is in part a rather brutal Biblical tale.
The one-liners from Jack and other cast members maintain the witty element of what is in part a rather brutal Biblical tale.
Designer Sean Cavanagh’s clever set with ascending steps on either side of the stage allows for a superb view from all angles, and the vibrant costumes, overseen by Felicity Jones, of course include Joseph’s intricate coat for the show’s conclusion.
The orchestra, under the direction of James McCullagh, pulls this exciting production together in a manner that only live musicians can.
Finally, the Joseph children’s choir provided by Salisbury and Downton Stagecoach, has the audience captivated from start to finish with their delightful voices and charming stage-presence.
Finally, the Joseph children’s choir provided by Salisbury and Downton Stagecoach, has the audience captivated from start to finish with their delightful voices and charming stage-presence.
Whether you’ve seen Joseph before or not, you’ll love this kaleidoscopic production, and will be humming its infectious tunes long after curtain has fallen.
4 stars out of 5
Joseph continues until Saturday 6th April, with 2 shows on Friday, and 3 shows on Saturday
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