Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Belgrade Theatre Coventry Review
28 January to 1 February 2020
Reviewed by Jayne Knight
I went to this production full of expectation, as it is one of my favourite musicals. The story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and a multi-coloured coat is one that appeals to all ages.
A Bill Kenwright Production, with original lyrics and music by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, this show has never failed to enthral me even though I have seen it many times over since it first burst onto the stage 30 years ago; with such well-known names as Jason Donovan, Gareth Gates, Darren Day, Philip Schofield and Aled Jones, so I was really looking forward to seeing Mark McMullan (BGT 2019) in this iconic role.
With multiple music genres there really is something for everyone in this superb production; from Calypso (Benjamin Calypso) to Elvis inspired Rock and Roll (Song of the King): a French Ballad (Those Canaan Days), Country and Western (One More Angel in Heaven) and 1970’s pop (Go, Go, Go, Joseph): not forgetting ‘Any Dream will Do’, each one set to have you tapping your feet, as the story unfolds.
From entering the theatre, I was warmly welcomed, as my ticket was handed over. There were plenty of theatre staff on hand to ensure that visitors were accommodated with no fuss or hassles. On needing to ask a question at the interval, again the person I approached had, within a few minutes, resolved my query. Top marks for helpfulness.
So what can I say about this performance:
GO! GO! GO! JOSEPH!
This performance absolutely rocked the theatre! Full of energy, vitality, animation and spirit!
From the overture, which had the audience clapping in time to the music, to the megamix the whole cast gave their all and the audience were with them, every choreographed step of the way.
As the front curtain, depicting traditional Egyptian icons and Hieroglyphics changed to a gauze we heard the first spine tingling purity of the voices of Team Butler, who flanked the staircase on either side of the stage. Standing completely motionless the cast looked as if they were part of a freeze frame or statues. With the colour of costumes and spectacular lighting it was a breath-taking opening.
The narrator was played by understudy Charlotte-Kate Warren, who with no sign of nerves on opening night guided us with clear diction through the story. Her voice is beautiful, and I look forward to seeing her again in future productions as her career progresses
Mark McMullen is the epitome of Joseph. It is a role that he depicts skilfully, looking entirely at home in this major production. In the words of Pharaoh’s Story – ‘could become a star, could be famous, could be a big success’.
The brothers are energetic, showing emotions from joy to sadness, even when lying to their father, Jacob, over the treacherous deed they have performed. They do get their comeuppance when they band together. As the story reaches its conclusion, they realise that their lifestyle needs to change and they grovel for forgiveness. Some of the brothers double up in other parts, such as Asher/Pharaoh, Simeon/Butler and Issachar/Baker. Each one is able to switch from one persona to another and back again with ease, enriching the whole ethos of the performance.
Henry Metcalfe (Jacob/Potiphar) has a wealth of experience on which to draw in his two roles. He is a seasoned actor who brings gravitas to the proceedings.
Throughout, the lighting and scenery completely complemented the story while not detracting from it. Watch out for the lighting sequence in ‘Joseph’s Coat’ and the appearance of the sheep. It was impressive to see the Eiffel Tower appear and disappear, again using technology rather than flying a piece of scenery.
Finally, as the production draws to a close, the cast launch into a megamix, taking their bows and reprising the songs. It is a workout on top of an already energetic performance, which has the audience singing along and clapping in time to the music. The young girl sitting beside me, joining in with a look of pure joy on her face, encapsulated the enjoyment of the whole evening. A well-deserved standing ovation on opening night.
I parked in the Belgrade Plaza NCP. It is a 2 minute walk to the theatre, straight across the plaza, with extremely reasonable parking charges.
Currently on tour, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry until 1st February. Ticket prices from £13-50 – discounted online prices. Tickets will cost slightly more when booked via the box office.
A well-deserved 5-star rating.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £13.50
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry from 28 January to 1 February 2020, for more information or to book tickets visit www.belgrade.co.uk or call the box office on 02476 553055.
Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Coventry, CV1 1GS | 02476 55 3055
