Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Stoke Review
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Regent Theatre, Stoke
16-20 September 2014
www.atgtickets.com/regent-theatre
Reviewed by Debbie Tasker
This timeless classic kicked off last night at the Regent Theatre and we were lucky enough to be part of the enthusiastic audience.
As we entered the main doors we were greeted by a rather large gentleman dressed as a baker playing an accordion in the foyer! We thought it was a bit bizarre, but hey! who cares he was extremely entertaining and it set the stead for the evening.
Joseph was first performed in the West End in 1973 and opened on Broadway in 1983 so it has been doing the rounds for many years. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice it was always going to be hit, and still is pulling in the crowds last night for some terrific entertainment.
Jacob has 12 sons, Joseph being the favourite. He is given a coat of many colours by his father which makes the other brothers jealous. They decide to sell him as a slave and tell Jacob he is dead. Joseph rises through the ranks but after declining Potiphar wife advances he ends up in prison where he has a gift of being able to tell other prisoners (one being the baker we had already come across) what their dreams mean. In time he is taken to Pharaoh and interprets the meaning of dreams and starts a new life full of riches. Back home there is a famine and the brothers decide to go to Egypt where it seems to be the land of plenty not realising it is Joseph giving them food. All is forgiven and Joseph is reunited with Jacob and his beloved coat.
The whole score is fabulous and includes the big hit single Any Dream Will Do along with many other catchy tunes including Close Every Door To Me and One More Angel In Heaven. There is very little spoken dialogue but the exceptionally talented Danielle Hope (winner of BBC1 Over The Rainbow) as the narrator guides the audience through and is very engaging. Her voice is clear throughout and she has great stage presence. Joseph is played by Lloyd Daniels (who was a finalist in 2009 X Factor) he makes a great Joseph although at first I wasn’t so sure. He sings beautifully his version of Close Every Door To Me was very haunting and moving. Matt Lapinskas (of Eastenders fame) gives a comical performance as Pharaoh aka Elvis Presley he sure had the moves and grooves and a good voice to top it off. The whole cast are superb and the children’s choir sitting on the stairways either side of the stage are a lovely touch.
There are non-stop costume changes each time being more flamboyant than the last. Lighting is out of this world with what I think is the most colours I have seen used on stage in any production. The set is bright and inviting and used well for each scene. The coat of many colours has the WOW factor and stands out as a truly magnificent prop.
This is a thoroughly professional production directed by Bill Kenwright. The whole family will enjoy this show. We sang the songs all the way home, and if I am truthful I’m still humming them today! I won’t forget this explosive show in a hurry. Book your tickets and enjoy a night full of fun.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £12.90 to £38.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at the Regent Theatre, Stoke until 20 September 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7649.
Regent Theatre, Piccadilly, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 1AP | 0844 871 7649
