We donned our colourful coats and headed to Leeds to catch the classic Andrew Lloyd-Webber hit Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Unless you’ve been living under a burning bush, you’ll probably know that the plot follows the tale of a young dreamer sold into slavery, who bounces back as Pharaoh’s right-hand man. Donny Osmond popularised the title role in the 1999 film, as well as Jason Donavan, Philip Schofield, Darren Day and Gareth Gates on stage.
The action takes place across Canaan and Egypt, and Morgan Large’s set transports this eager audience in a haze of drapes, stars and a vivid palette. Ben Cracknell’s lighting design is electric, and accentuates everything from the pulsing disco vibe of Go Go Joseph, to a dank jail cell in Close Every Door. There are props aplenty too, and I found myself wanting a go on the clever Camel-bikes or taking Joseph’s golden chariot for a spin!
We first meet Christian Bianco’s Narrator, who is the golden thread that holds it all together. Instantly likeable, she playfully jokes with the audience when her disguises (including Joseph’s dad Jacob) fool nobody. With powerhouse vocals and a real warmth, she reminds this reviewer of a younger Jane McDonald.
Adam Filipe might be the most well-spoken Joseph we’ve seen. He fills the boots well and is truly a walking work of art in his colourful coat. Boundless energy and incredible vocals, he excels during Close Every Door which he delivers with a real poignancy.
Star turn Joe McElderry (of X-Factor fame) is our Pharoah. A long time coming – Pharoah doesn’t appear until well into the second act – he is worth the wait and has all the swagger of this Elvis-inspired King of Egypt. Another tip-top singer, with the odd cheeky wink to the crowd. His key scene is a visual highlight too, and sees him surrounded by dancing statues, hieroglyphs and even a lip-syncing Horus and Anubis.
The entire ensemble work hard, and there is no weak link. I can only imagine the speed of quick changes behind the scenes, as performers switch in and out of wigs, beards and the many stunning costumes.
All the previous productions of Joseph we’ve seen have been very much by the (Good) Book, and we arrived last night thinking we knew exactly what to expect. However, this tour keeps things fresh and innovates in some surprising ways…
Firstly, the children are no longer consigned to just ‘ah ahs’ in the chorus, and instead play an integral role throughout. Donning fake beards, they join the band of brothers, and even take on some of the larger roles. A pint-sized Potiphar is a triumph! The Baker and Butler duo are fantastic too. All the children fizz with energy and enthusiasm, and get some of the biggest laughs of the night.
Other innovations include a cheerleading twist on Go Go Joseph, a slightly obscure Can Can routine in Canaan Days (“I said Canaan, not Can Can!”) and fresh, modern choreography. There are other nods to the modern day too, with iPhones, Starbucks and Converse all appearing.
Some theatregoers lament how simple Joseph’s score is, and it was originally written so that primary schools could stage it with ease. But oh boy are the songs catchy and varied! Expect everything from Calypso, Western and French ballads to rock and roll, pop and jazz. All are delivered with crystal clear vocals, tight choreography and a rousing live orchestra led by John Rigby.
Ideal for musical theatre fans, Joseph is song n’ dance from start to finish. There are dips in pace in the second act but overall its punchy and slick. The much-anticipated Megamix has the whole audience on their feet at the end, and brings the show to a close in a riot of colour and toe-tapping fun.
A Dream ticket, Go Go Go book now!
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs until Saturday 29th March at Leeds Grand Theatre. Book your tickets at https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/joseph-2025/
For all upcoming UK tour dates visit https://uk.josephthemusical.com/tickets
Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.
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