5 STARS. Almost 50 years on from its debut, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat is still a dazzling piece of musical brilliance says Jackie Bryans. Showing at Windsor's Theatre Royal March 7-11
I confess to having seen Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat several times previously, the last time was probably over 10 years ago (how time flies). Therefore I went along to last night’s performance with certain expectations: memories of the songs I was taught back in the 70s at primary school, an awareness of the well-known biblical story that was about to be recounted and moreover the comfort of knowing that with such doyens of the theatre as Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice behind the genius of this musical, we would be in safe hands. I was not disappointed.
For anyone who is not familiar with the story, the musical chronicles the life of Joseph, one of 12 sons and the favourite of their father (Jacob). This blatant favouritism alienates Joseph from his brothers and owing to their unfortunate jealousy arising from this, they sell him into slavery, reporting to their father that Joseph has been killed. Following a succession of adventures; first as a slave and then a prisoner before miraculously rising to power to save Egypt from famine, Joseph is eventually reunited with his family and realises that his brothers have long regretted and repented of their actions against him.
The show first premiered in 1970 and whilst it might now have reached middle-age, the music and lyrics are as fresh and witty as ever, keeping audiences of all ages engaged and enthralled as Joseph’s adventures unfurl before them.
In essence nothing had changed since I last saw Joseph and those in the audience who were devotees of the musical were certainly not disappointed on this front. However Bill Kenwright is not one to rest on his laurels and in his custody Joseph continues to evolve to ensure it remains as fresh and up-to-date for today’s audiences as it has ever been. This no doubt has been helped by enlisting the talents of reality TV stars: Joseph is played by Joe McElderry (winner of ‘The X Factor’ in 2009), the Narrator is Lucy Kay (‘Britain’s Got Talent’ 2014 runner-up) and the Pharaoh is Ben James-Ellis (BBC’s ‘Any Dream Will Do’ 2007 contestant).
I have mixed views about reality TV providing a fast track for young stars without necessarily having to their hone skills from the bottom, however Joe McElderry’s rendition of ‘Close Every Door’ was beautiful and Lucy Kay brought subtle elements to her narrator role that I don’t recall seeing before and certainly made it her own.
It is a marvel that such a large cast which includes a young, but engaging, choir can be accommodated on the relatively small stage at the Theatre Royal in Windsor. However it is, together with fabulous props to denote the majesty of Egypt, hints of palm trees in the wings and the ingenious use of sheep representing the time in Canaan. On top of this, the show’s choreography injects further energy to the evening and is reflective of the wonderful mix of musical genres that Andrew Lloyd Webber masterfully weaves into the show.
Last night the theatre was full, with people of all ages. The children to my side were wonderfully attentive throughout, whilst older generations behind me evidently savoured every moment. By the end of the show there were people dancing in the aisles and a standing ovation was rewarded by a rousing encore: this is wonderful family entertainment and leaves all but the harshest critic with the feel-good factor by the end of the show.
Joseph continues to play at the Theatre Royal Windsor until March 11. Tickets are in limited supply for the rest of the week and are virtually sold out for all 3 shows on Saturday. Therefore don’t delay if you want to go this week, tickets can be booked on line at Theatre Royal Windsor.
Also worth noting that Joe McElderry returns to Windsor in the summer, joined by some of the other stars who have been in Joseph (Keith Jack, Lloyd Daniels and Ben James-Ellis) for his Gloria Tour, on 14 & 15 July. Tickets are available from the Theatre Royal Windsor box office.
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