Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Liverpool Empire Review
3-7 October 2017
Reviewed by Jan Mellor
I was so excited to be seeing Joseph, as it was the musical that I sang whilst in my primary school and I hadn’t heard it since these days (which was a long time ago!). I brought by 13-year-old son so that he too, like me, could get to know the wonderful songs that included “Any dream will do” and “I close my eyes.
The show started with the narrator (played by the very talented Trina Hill) singing to two children of the fable of Jacob, a man who could foresee what dreams meant. The scene then moved to a wonderful Eastern stage – where we were introduced to Joseph (who was played by the equally extremely talented Joe McElderry, his father Jacob, his 10 brothers, palm trees, star-spangled night sky and a group of choir children who throughout the show sang and interacted quite amazingly.
The songs continued “Jacob and sons”, “Jacob’s coat” and “Joseph’s dream” and we were all transfixed into this magical world before us.
The brothers (tired of Jacob being treated so favourably and being issued with his amazing coat) sell Jacob off to some passing travellers who are journeying to Egypt. The singing and choreography of the cast for “One more angel in heaven” was superb. The scene majestically transferred to Egypt with huge sphinx’s’ and pyramids – it was an absolute joy to behold – as Jacob is imprisoned.
Then act 2, and the whole show just gets better and better. Pharaoh’s story (sang by an incredible Elvis) had the audience to hysterics and as Jacob explains his dream and becomes the Pharaoh’s second in command – the excellent songs continued. The brothers depicted as poor souls living in Paris was a pure stroke of genius and them moving to Egypt to find treasure and be faced with the pharaoh’s second in command –left the audience in awe. Once revealed as their long-lost brother Jacob – the theatre came alive with songs “Any dream will do” and I sang my heart out. By the finale the whole theatre was alive and in total euphoria.
The whole show was (pardon the pun!) an absolute dream. My son could not believe that the show had finished – “it’s only been on 10 minutes! “he exclaimed. Every member of the cast sang with extraordinary talent and the timing and choreography were spot-on – perfection. The scenery was stunning, the costumes superb and the songs and design just perfect. The cast did an encore that brought the whole theatre to a standing ovation. Yes- I am somewhat biased – as I love the songs in the show for sentimental reasons – but I would advise that anyone who enjoys an evening of perfect entertainment go to see this show. We bought the CD at the foyer and relived the show and songs all the ways home! Every single cast member should be proud of such an exceptional performance!
A dream of a show!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £13 to £57.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at the Liverpool Empire from 3-7 October 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/liverpool or call the box office on 0844 8713017.
Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE | 0844 8713017
