Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Blackpool Opera House Review

Reviewed by Kim Bickerdike

I first went to the theatre to watch Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat when I was a child and I loved it. When I heard the production was touring and coming to Blackpool, I was excited and a bit intrigued to see this musical extravaganza and hoped I would love it as much as I did over 20 years ago.

The atmosphere was buzzing in the charming Blackpool Opera House and the audience was diverse with groups, couples, men, women, young and old which demonstrates just how timeless this show is and how musical theatre is enjoyed by people from all walks of life.

The show begins and straight away we are treated to a musical and visual sensation. Based on the biblical story of Joseph, found in the Book of Genesis this show is set in the land of Canaan and Egypt and follows Joseph, his father Jacob and eleven brothers who are a family of shepherds. The opening act features plenty of classic hits written by Andrew Lloyd Webber including ‘Any Dream Will Do’ ‘Jacob and Sons’ ‘Poor, Poor Joseph’ and many others. The audience sang along then whooped and cheered at the end of each song.

We meet Joseph straight away who is played by Jaymi Hensley. Jaymi was a member of the boyband Union J who featured on the X Factor. I’m not familiar with Jaymi’s work but his performance as Joseph was superb. He had a strong vocal performance throughout and got the audience on their feet during the finale, where he belted out a Joseph megamix and looked as if he was enjoying every second on stage. His standing ovation at the end of the show was well deserved and this was definitely the perfect role for him.

The show is narrated musically throughout by Trina Hill who sang all of her songs beautifully and clearly and was very engaging in the way she told the story. Trina was supported by a choir of children who sit to the side of the stage during the whole show and join in many of the songs. Their young voices added a really nice element to the performance and again, they looked as if they were really enjoying themselves which was lovely to see.

The show lasts approximately 2 hours but the time goes so quickly. It is jam packed with classic songs, upbeat dances, bright and varied set changes and a fantastic cast who performed their socks off. The tickets are great value for money and I would recommend every heads to Blackpool to catch this show before it is too late. Thank you to all of the cast for a brilliant evening, I played the amazing soundtrack on the way home and could watch this show again and again!

A five-star performance all round.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £15 (booking fees may apply).

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at Blackpool Opera House from 28 May to 1 June 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk or call the box office on 0844 856 1111.

Winter Gardens & Opera House Theatre, 97 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1HL