Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Review
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Buxton Opera House
7-11 June 2016
Reviewed by Katy Nettleton
I was very fortunate to be invited to Buxton Opera House to review Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on 7th June with Joe McElderry (as Joseph) and Lucy Kay (as the Narrator) in addition to a very skilled cast.
Prior to watching the show I was wondering how I would write a review for a musical which has been around for over three decades with various leads (Joseph and the Narrator) as most people understand the story (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a musical or operetta with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The story is based on the “coat of many colors” story of Joseph from the Bible‘s Book of Genesis. This was the first Lloyd Webber and Rice musical to be performed publicly.) However, if I am completely honest the show was not what I was expecting – this is in a good way!
I first watched the show when I was at school (sadly a few years ago, when Jason Donavan was the lead!) and from what I can remember this was a quite a “dark” show and predominantly singing rather than spoken narration. However, this was humorous, colourful and exciting. It was a slow start and I thought the opening “number” was too long and I was sat (like the majority of the audience) questioning whether the “opening without cast” was meant to be so long and kept looking to see the entrance of Joseph and if someone had missed their cue. However, it seems this was part of the show and soon Joseph (played by Joe McElderry) came on to the stage to start a staggering array of music (by Andrew Lloyd Webber) and lyrics (by Tim Rice) that had the audience singing along within seconds. The show follows the story closely however with the introduction of inflatable sheep (which from my seat looked like polar bears (if I am being completely honest)), these did cause a few giggles amongst the audience! And meant that the show was brought alive. The depressing sections (that I remembered from my childhood) were no more, I am not sure if this is just my poor memory or not but it definitely meant that I was able to fully engage in the show.
I cannot praise all the cast; Joe McElderry, Lucy Kay, Handmaidens (Tilly Ford, Samantha Noel and Gemma Pipe) of the brothers enough. Their voices individually and together were amazing. There was a couple of times when Lucy Kay seemed to struggle with the higher notes (however I am no expert on vocals) in the first half and was a little “tinny” at times, but I think this was purely down to the microphones and music being used. However in the second half there did not seem to be the same problems. Whilst discussing the voices it would be difficult not to mention the choir (provided by The Stagecoach Theatre Arts, Sheffield) who were well drilled, professional and seemed to be truly enjoy being on stage and taking part. Each child had a clear glisten in their eyes. I had not heard Joe McElderry before (and sadly not a follower of The X Factor) but can honestly say his voice grows on you, at the start I was a little unsure that he had the strength to carry the songs but this was not the case. He had power, sensitivity and you heard each and every word – a star performance.
I was able to sing along to all the songs and fully watch the stage. The way in which it was set out was brilliant; it was basic but effective with moving stair cases and the use of the whole stage. The costumes were also very eye-catching, and the way in which The Amazing Colored Coat was used was brilliant and eye catching!
Overall this is a show not to be missed. It is colourful, exciting, enjoyable and humorous, a modern take on an old favourite musical!
I would like to have heard Lucy Kay one last time at the end, rather than purely Joe McElderry as her voice as narrator brought the show together and seamlessly linked all the acts and I felt she deserved an individual round of applause.
Overall I give this 4.5 out of 5, with only reduction due to a long lead in at the start and a long ending…
Rating: 4.5/5
Tickets cost from £24-£32 (booking fees may apply).
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at the Buxton Opera House until 11 June 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0845 127 2190.
Buxton Opera House, Water Street, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN | 0845 127 2190
