Disclaimer: Gifted
So before I begin my review of the latest Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat tour, I just wanted to clarify a few things.
- I am a huge theatre fan and have seen lots of productions, including my all time favourite Les Mis (definitely more than a handful of times)
- I have never ever seen this production in theatre and knew very little about the show before attending last night
So I attended Milton Keynes Theatre’s opening night of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat last night, and I didn’t really know what to expect. As I mentioned above, I have never seen this production before so I was going in completely blind.
So here’s my honest, sincere and very unique review of the show from a Joseph virgin perspective…
For a show based on a biblical story that started out in 1968 as a 15 minute pop cantata written for a London school, the success of the production show must seem like a dream for Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Since it’s first West End debut in 1973, it’s estimated that 26 million people all over the world have seen it. Now I can finally clarify, I have seen Joseph and I am no longer alien nor a theatre virgin!
The audience was full of all ages alike. I had an elderly couple sat to my right and a family with children to my left, and the ambience was extremely energy fuelled and magical. My initial thought was…this is going to be a show worth seeing.
The star of the show was Jaymi Hensley, a fellow Lutionian who rose to success on The X Factor several years ago in a group called Union J. I was completely taken aback by how well he could sing. We all know The X Factor is for singers to showcase their talent, but this isn’t always the case. Jaymi’s rendition of Any Dream Will Do was phenomenal and left the whole audience up on their feet, especially at the end of the production when everyone (and I mean everyone) was dancing, singing and cheering. It was truly a happy experience and a very feel-good production for all to get involved with.
Another cast member that stood out for me was Andrew Geater who plays the (Elvis inspired) Pharaoh/Asher. The humour he introduced to the production was above and beyond, and had my whole row chuckling into their hands. Andrew has previously performed as Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls, Henchman in Snow White and lead vocalist in Red Hot Broadway.
I couldn’t write this review and not do a shout-out to the amazing school children from Arts1 for their role throughout the production too. It was beautifully led by Trina Hill playing Narrator, and was really uplifting.
The costumes and stage props were technicolored in every essence, and really kept to the theme of the show. I mean, especially that Dreamcoat at the end. Could you get any brighter?
If you are a Joseph virgin then check out the tour dates and go and support these guys on their tour. It will leave you feeling happy, uplifted and singing Any Dream Will Do for a day or two.
The Milton Keynes production is running from 9th to 13th April. Tickets start from £13 and family ticket offers are available. Check out ticket availability or book yours here.
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