There have been numerous productions of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's groundbreaking musical since it first appeared in 1968 and opened in the West End in 1973. One might wonder if there is still room for another tour. However, judging by the packed audience in Milton Keynes Theatre for the opening night of
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, much interest remains for this show. Also, with this production first seen at The London Palladium in June 2019, and with a few production elements altered, Joseph still has, after all those years, the room to change and evolve. However, the question is, does this change help or hinder the show's history?
For those unfamiliar with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, it tells the story of Joseph, Jacob's favourite son, in a lighthearted and musical style that jumps between various genres. Joseph's brothers are somewhat envious of him, leading to them selling him into slavery to an Egyptian nobleman. As for the rest, you'd best find out by seeing the show.
Having seen Joseph three times previously myself, the show is becoming increasingly familiar; however, this version, led by Christina Bianco in the role of narrator, is the best I have seen yet. Much the same as the previous version, which toured to Milton Keynes in 2022, this is stronger due to key performances and a sharper staging.
Bianco is an excellent narrator, constantly full of energy, and her pedigree as a stage performer comes out throughout, with high humour in the role and, most importantly, a sharp singing voice. The title role of Joseph is played by Adam Filipe, who brings exceptional performing skills to the role, imbuing it with warmth and likability in abundance, as well as a superb singing voice full of rich depth. His performance of
Close Every Door is genuinely amazing and rightfully stops the show with a long round of applause. It all proves you don't need star names in these roles, just excellent stage performers, which Filipe is.
There is one poster boy star name for the tour, however, and that is The X Factor 2009 winner Joe McElderry in the deliberately comic role of The Pharaoh (if you haven't seen the show before, think Elvis and you are there). McElderry is surprisingly good, but as the role dictates, has very little to do, except sing the same song three times (one in the megamix finale). Solid, if unspectacular, and much more suited to this role than that of Joseph himself, which I had seen him in in a previous production.
Elsewhere in the cast, the ensemble brings an abundance of talent, especially from Hugh Cotton as Reuben and Will Haswell as Simeon, who lead their songs and create further depth in the humour in the show.
Staging is excellent, with a simple yet visually appealing set by Morgan Large, incorporating striking colours, including a glorious sun that dominates proceedings and Egyptian statues happily joining in with the Pharaoh's song.
There is sharp and inventive choreography from Joann M. Hunter, cleverly blending genres to successful effect, and performed with brilliant energy and skill by the ensemble. Finally, John Rigby leads his orchestra with exuberance and takes the opportunity during the second-act overture to join in with the audience as well.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, in this incarnation, is in excellent hands. The production capitalises on the original's strengths, incorporates children back into much of the action, as the original productions did, and adds some enhancements that work well. If you have yet to see the show in any staged form, this production is one of the better ones to get that first encounter with Lloyd Webber and Rice's classic of the genre.
A magical reworking of a classic which is full of wonder and glee. A perfect family night at the theatre.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance reviewed: Thursday, 7th August 2025, at the Milton Keynes Theatre.
Production photos: Tristram Kenton
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