Review of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Milton Keynes Theatre

There have been quite a few productions of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s groundbreaking musical since first appearing in one form so many years ago back in 1968, and the West End from 1973, you wonder whether there is still room for another tour. Well, judging by the audience packing numbers at Milton Keynes, it appears so. However, does this new production, first seen at The London Palladium in June 2019 successfully honour such a show history?

For those unfamiliar with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, it tells, in a very frivolous, music genre-hopping style the story of Joseph, Jacob’s favourite son. Somewhat hated by his brothers, he ends up being sold into slavery to an Egyptian nobleman, and then, well, see the show and find out the rest.

This new production breaks somewhat from the norm of productions of the past and attempts to create something different for a new generation of theatregoers, and perhaps, this heralds both its strengths and weaknesses. Bold decisions either make this something an audience member will enjoy or traditionalist hate.

However, what about the show itself? First, this has an extremely talented performer in the role of Joseph. Not cast as a populist “star” name unlike other recent Joseph’s born of X-Factor and Britain’s Got Talent worlds, but pure talent and Jac Yarrow has that. He is exceptionally good in the title role, with a beautifully clear singing voice and an immense charm on stage. He creates all of the familiar numbers with style and clearly captivates the audience.

Coming from that X-Factor world though is the performer in the vital role of The Narrator, however, here, Alexandra Burke is a cut above many from that world, and has through years proven her talent on stage since her appearance on that show. She is, for the best part, excellent in the role, but, on occasion, irritates a little, but mostly from production decisions, I feel. Her playing Jacob for instance, donning a fake beard seems a little pointless and distracts rather than offers the intentional amusement intended. Burke, however, has a dynamic presence in the role and, of course, without need to mention really, has a brilliant vocal talent.

Elsewhere, Bobby Windebank appears to be having great fun in the role of Pharaoh, and he entertains, it’s difficult not to in this classic role, but the delivery of his songs does lack clarity as it is lost perhaps in his enthusiasm to perform.

The ensemble is superb throughout, as is often the case with these shows. Standouts include Will Hawksworth as Simeon, leading what is perhaps the best musical number of the show, Those Canaan Days, brilliantly. Also, I very much enjoyed Matt Gibson, in his role of Rueben.

What is different in this production, and doesn’t always work, is the usual cast of children performing a selection of roles, rather than just being a chorus in traditional shows. It seems, despite their obvious talent, weird seeing youngsters playing roles such as Potiphar for instance. However, perhaps, it is a little tribute to the original school's musical incarnation. It works of sorts, but won’t please all.

There is some excellent choreography from Joann M. Hunter, bringing new variety to many of the numbers, and while some of them feel a little busy; the ensemble brings them to life vividly. The set and costume design from Morgan Large is fabulous, with brilliant colour and dynamic sets, from the dark and menacing prison cell and through the bright and glorious Egyptian set, complete with animated statues joining in with the Pharoah.

Lighting is great as well from Ben Cracknell, offering a suitable multitude of colours to the backdrops and some neat and clever ideas sprinkled throughout, making the lighting a performer itself. Finally, musical director John Rigby and his ten-strong orchestra bring John Cameron’s orchestrations to bold life throughout.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in this incarnation is excellent entertainment, but not without its faults, and maybe a few production misjudgements. What is provided though is a colourful and musically brilliant evening of entertainment, and I suspect anyone many familiar with the show will delight in it all the same, and well, probably already have tickets.

Go, go, go, to Joseph, I feel you will be happily entertained.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Performance reviewed: Thursday 15th September 2022 at the Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 24th September 2022.

For further details about Milton Keynes see their website at http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre/

Production photos: Tristram Kenton

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