VIBRANT and self-assured, this new interpretation of a gold-standard classic is currently wowing audiences in the North East with a stunning show that just keeps on giving.
With toe-tapping numbers from the outset, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is packed with sensational songs from almost every musical genre imaginable.
Every scene on the sun-drenched set with sweeping sand dunes is superb, bright colourful costumes and breath-taking backgrounds confirming post-Covid theatreland is back with a bang.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music includes the jazz and tap of Joseph’s Dreams, blended seamlessly with the Western-style music of One More Angel in Heaven and the 1920’s Charleston-inspired Potihpar.
Particularly effective was parody of the French ballad, à la Edith Piaf, which turns into a semi-saucy can-can, cue comic intervention from one of Joseph’s brothers to remind the orchestra he said: ‘Those CANAAN Days’.
How we laughed.
We genuinely did.
Director Laurence Connor’s ‘Joseph’ is hilarious and full of fun, predominantly down to the return of the simply remarkable Linzi Hateley who shines like the desert sun as the narrator.
Appearing as multiple characters, she is in almost every scene and her limitless energy somehow make the subtle, and not-so-subtle, gear shifts required, look effortless.
Hateley has reprised the role that earned her an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical in 1991 when a certain fresh-faced Aussie known to millions as Scott Robinson from Neighbours took the titular role.
Jason Donovan is back in the cast, now playing the Pharaoh, and rocks the Song of the King like a Las Vegas-era Elvis, clearing enjoying himself immensely, breathing in the love in the room.
There were stellar performances all around from a terrifically talented dance troupe and special mention must by made of the young cast who are clearly the stars of the future.
The story, told entirely through song, is set way, way back, many centuries ago, and follows the biblical tale of Joseph, Jacob’s favourite son, his new cloak, and eleven envious brothers.
Joseph is sold into slavery by his siblings and ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, who is played by one of the child actors.
Jailed after refusing the advances of Potiphar’s wife, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and finds himself in front of the Pharoah, a mighty but troubled showman, who is worried about the visions of fat and thin cows he has in his sleep.
Joseph explains they are long-range economic forecasts and becomes the Pharaoh’s right-hand man, eventually being reunited with his family.
The lead role is played by Jac Yarrow, who debuted as Joseph in the West End when the production opened three years and is now more than comfortable swishing around in the flowing coat of many colours.
His performances and powerful vocal range, see Close Every Door To Me, have deservedly earned him acclaim and an Olivier award.
This is a show packed with terrific tunes, witty words and clever choreography performed by a cracking company that overdelivers from the start.
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal until June 4. Tickets cost £20 and are available at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191-232-7010.
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