POOR Joseph, he really did get on his brothers’ nerves and, as second youngest and his father’s favourite, there’s nothing he can do about it.

He doesn’t help himself, either, by telling his brothers about his dreams, which always seem to be about how they will all bow down to him at sometime in the future.

So it’s easy to understand why they finally lose patience with him after their father, Jacob, singles him out and gives him the fabulous coat of many colours.

Craig Chalmers, one of the most popular finalists in the recent BBC series, Any Dream Will Do, takes the title role with his fabulous vocal skills, great feeling and lots of charisma.

Sam Cassidy makes a stunning professional debut as the youngest son, Benjamin, and Rachael Louise Miller, as the Narrator, has the voice of a superstar.

Combine those unforgettable songs such as Any Dream Will Do, Close Ev’ry Door To Me and One More Angel with a firework box of colourful sets, energetic choreography and sumptuous costumes, and you really do have an amazing technicolour show.

Bill Kenwright’s production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical has lost none of the original magic and, despite a small technical hitch in the second half when the curtain came down for a few minutes, the packed audience at Sunderland Empire were on their feet. They loved every minute.

■ Until Saturday, 7.30pm, plus matinees. Tickets: £12.50-£26.

Box office: 0844-847-2499, SunderlandEmpire.org.uk Helen Brown