Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is on at the New Theatre this week and I’m declaring it the first ‘must-see’ of 2025.
I’m going to assume I don’t need to precis the plot for you: the story of Joseph comes live and direct from the Bible, plus I’m pretty sure there’s a law somewhere decreeing that this Rice/Lloyd Webber musical adaptation must be performed at some point by every child in the land, whether at school, drama club or in a local theatre group. That frees me up to use this space to discuss the unmitigated pleasure of watching this production and the supremely talented cast and crew (because to omit to mention the genius staging, outstanding choreography, live orchestra and fabulous costumes would be very wrong).
Adam Filipe is beautifully cast as a pleasingly smug Joseph. He’s certainly got the pipes to belt out the familiar tunes and the good looks to carry off the role of favoured son, However, I must confess that although I was rooting for him throughout, there was a small part of me sympathising with the jealous brothers – who turned One More Angel in Heaven into an extended hoe-down and knocked Those Canaan Days out of the park. Further, press night (8 January) coincided with what would have been the 90th birthday of Elvis Presley, and Alex Woodward’s Pharoah more than paid homage to the King with his deep baritone, swooningly handsome looks, charisma and enthusiastic gyrations.
And then we have Christina Bianco (my new girl-crush) as Narrator, a role often seen as facilitating the plot rather than integral to audience enjoyment…not tonight Joseph(ine)! Bianco’s voice is not only powerful and flawlessly on point, but her considerable comedic skill is apparent as she slips into her other ‘roles’ as Joseph’s ancient father, Jacob and the ultimate cougar, Potiphar’s wife. Almost as lovely as hearing her voice soar is noting how she interacts with the rest of the cast which in this case features an absurdly gifted group of youngsters who switch from chorus to featured roles with aplomb. It’s a hard trick to pull off this many kids on stage without it feeling like a show aimed at children rather than adults, but despite the fact they are undeniably cute, I defy even the coldest-hearted adult cynic not to be utterly charmed by each and every one of them.
I’ve come to rely on the New Theatre’s January schedule for pulling me out of any lingering post-festive slump and this week’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is (perhaps) its best yet in terms of the sheer joy and gusto with which the outstanding cast fill the stage and the packed auditorium.
Finally, if you’re a fan, book now for 15 May when lyricist Tim Rice brings his one-man show to the New Theatre: Tim Rice – My Life in Musicals – I Know Him So Well.
To book tickets or find out what's on visit atgtickets.com