Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
Most of us know both the story, and most of the music to this show. This Tim Rice/Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical is something that many of us have grown up with. Many musical theatre fans list this as their first taste of musical theatre, and Jason Donavan singing 'Any Dream Will Do' along with other hits from the show entered the nation’s culture back in the early 1990’s.
I somehow managed to miss the recent Palladium revivals, so my last memory of this show was a good number of years back, with a wobbly set. I am pleased to report that this new touring version is nothing like that, and is instead fresh and joyful, with plenty of technicolour energy! It has a supremely talented cast, ably assisted by clever staging, outstanding choreography, an incredibly sounding 10 piece orchestra and fabulous costumes.
Adam Filipe is beautifully cast as the titular Joseph. His rendition of 'Close Every Door' at the end of the first half was sublime. A star in the making.
And then we have Christina Bianco as the Narrator. This production’s narrator is absolutely integral to this show. She is barely off stage, and not only narrates in a simple, slightly sparkly black jumpsuit, but also takes on numerous other parts including patriarch Joseph, and the ultimate cougar, Potiphar’s wife, putting on different items of clothing, but also different voices and characteristics. This is where Bianco excels. She is a well known artist and performer, who is able to flit between different vocal styles and impersonations, from Celine to Streisand to Britney Spears to Lady Gaga. In this role, that plays to those magnificent strengths. She is also able to showcase her considerable comedic skills, but also her dancing. She is a triple threat in this role and the singing is just perfect. Bianco is just fabulous.
What I also noted was the obvious ease and warmth with which she interacted with the young ensemble cast. That was just lovely.
The ensemble, including those youngsters, is great. The talented group switch from chorus to character roles with ease. They tread the right balance between cuteness and talent, and all pull it off. They are exceptional.
They are matched by the adult ensemble. The rest of Jacob’s sons are a highlight. They managed to turn 'One More Angel in Heaven' into a fun extended hoe-down and gave a terrific performance of 'Those Canaan Days'.
The part of the Pharoah has recently been played by a star – often a former Joseph, such as Jason Donovan or Donny Osmond, both of whom are playing the role at different stops on this tour. But for this Oxford stint, he is played by Alex Woodward and very, very good he is too! He more than paid homage to the Elvis 'The King' with a terrific performance.
The music here really stands the test of time, and the orchestra makes for a really full lush sound. Ben Cracknell's lighting is very effective, and adds to the freshness of this new version. There is a lovely use of colours, and I especially liked the stars. In fact, the quality of the direction, choreography, staging, sets and costumes is all excellent.
As has become traditional with Joseph, make sure you hang around for the Megamix at the end. It is a celebration and a half. It has been extended and lasts over 8 minutes!
This new version of Joseph is 2 hours of top-quality, funny, joyous entertainment.
This show was reviewed on the 8th January 2025 at the New Theatre, Oxford where it runs until the 11th January 2025. Tickets available here: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Tickets | New Theatre Oxford in Oxford | ATG Tickets
Full tour details can be found here: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat • UK Tour
Review written by Ruth Hawkins
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Photo credit: Tristram Kenton
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