Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat At The Alhambra, Bradford Review

Reviewed by Helen Noble

The sensational brand-new production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat comes to the Alhambra Theatre for one week only! The multi award-winning show has been performed in over 80 countries worldwide and has become one of the world’s most beloved family musicals.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat follows the story of Jacob’s favourite son Joseph and his eleven brothers. It is told entirely through song with the help of the Narrator.  Joseph’s jealous brothers decide he has to go! and they decide to sell him to some passing ishmaelites (who are riding on the best thought up camels ever!) they then let Jacob believe that Joseph had died.

Joseph gets on the good side of Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after giving in to the advances of Potiphar’s wife. Whilst in jail, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled showman, the Pharaoh. Aka ‘The King’. As Joseph strives to resolve Egypt’s famine, he becomes Pharaoh’s right-hand man, Years later, Joseph’s brothers arrive in Egypt desperate, starving they ask Pharaoh’s right hand man for help not realising it is Joseph. He eventually grants them all they desire, reveals his identity, and eventually reunites with his family.

Starring Alexandra Burke (Narrator), Alexandra first rose to fame winning The X-Factor in 2008, she has the most sensational voice, Jac Yarrow (Joseph) his vocals were outstanding and Bobby Winderbank (Pharaoh) with his fun rendition of Elvis rocked the house. The rest of the acting cast were also excellent singers and dancers, the leg kicks and splits were amazing.

The show features songs that have gone on to become pop and musical theatre classics, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door To Me, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go, Go, Go Joseph.

I have to give a special mention to the children who’s acting, singing and dancing really brought the show alive, cast as follows, Manasseh Mapria (Judah), Callum Dunne (Gad), Millie Garthard (Gads wife/Butler), Max Garlick (Benjamin/Potiphar), Sophia McDonald (Judah’s wife/Goat), Buddy Way (Zebulun/Baker), Olivia Cooper (Benjamin’s wife/Camel 1), Sienna Tish (Zebulan’s wife/Camel 2).

The scenery is swiftly and smoothly changed throughout the show, and I especially loved the golden singing statues. The sound was loud and clear.

I had been wanting to see this for years, what a way to go straight back to my primary school days where we sung every song. I had goosebumps from the immense singing and music from start to finish.

It was a spectacular performance and would highly recommend as a must see.

The Alhambra is a traditional theatre, the main theatre building is modern with bright lights which not only look fabulous but makes the building easy to find. You are welcomed by friendly smiling staff, who are more than happy to help in whatever way they can. On the ground floor there is a ticket kiosk and a kiosk for purchasing soft drinks and sweets. On the first floor there is an impressive bar/cafe area, you can even pre order drinks to be ready for the interval to save queuing. The venue has disabled parking onsite to the left of the buildings entrance it says no entry but there is a buzzer system to allow entry. There are also plenty of carparks within a couple of minutes walking distance from the venue, one on Sharpe street which is just up the hill from the Alhambra, If using an NCP car park if you inform the ticket office on arrival they give you an additional parking ticket to enable a discount on your parking fee.

Rating: 5/5

17 – 22 October 2022

Running time – 2 hours including interval.

Tickets cost from £20 – £53 (booking fees may apply).

For more information or to book tickets please visit Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat | The Alhambra Theatre (bradford-theatres.co.uk)