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Presenters, performances and broadcast details announced for Olivier Awards 2025 with Mastercard

officiallondontheatre.com/olivier-awards

Final details have been announced for the Olivier Awards 2025 with Mastercard, which will take place this Sunday 6 April at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Beverley Knight and Billy Porter. 

A star-studded array of presenters will hand out the coveted awards to this year’s winners, including Hayley Atwell (currently in Much Ado About Nothing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Rose Ayling-Ellis (2023 Olivier Award nominee), Samantha Barks (fresh from her London Palladium concert), Cate Blanchett (The Seagull at the Barbican Theatre), Corbin Bleu (set to appear in The Great Gatsby at London Coliseum), Tom Burke (The Seagull), Naomi Campbell (model & actress), Elizabeth Debicki (My Master Builder at Wyndham’s Theatre), Idris Elba (recently produced Shifters), Marianne Elliot (set to direct The Unbelievers at the Royal Court Theatre), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Here We Are at the National Theatre – Lyttelton), Martin Freeman (The Fifth Step at @sohoplace), Tom Hiddleston (Much Ado About Nothing), Celia Imrie (Backstroke at the Donmar Warehouse), Shobana Jeyasingh (choreographer), Jane Krakowski (Here We Are), Ewan McGregor (My Master Builder), Chris O’Dowd (The Brightening Air at The Old Vic), Elaine Paige (actress & BBC Radio 2 presenter), Harriet Scott and Gok Wan (Magic Radio presenters), Bryn Terfel (opera singer) and Jacqueline Wilson (children’s author).  

As announced via the Olivier Awards social media channels last week, the ceremony will also include performances from Mastercard Best New Musical nominees The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, MJ The Musical, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet Of 1812 and Why Am I So Single?, and Piper-Heidsieck Award for Best Musical Revival nominees Fiddler On The Roof, Oliver!and Starlight Express. 

A highlights programme will air on ITV1 and STV at 10.15pm on Sunday 6 April, and will be available on catch-up on ITVX and STV Player. Magic Radio are set to broadcast highlights the same evening; catch the build up from 8pm, with highlights starting at 9pm. 

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Stocton Arc – 28 March 2025

Reviewed by Hayley Warters

4****

The “Look After Your Knees Show” is an unconventional, quirky event that pulls you in with its thought-provoking narrative and unique presentation. It’s an experience that’s not just about the topic at hand, but more about how it makes you reflect on life, time, and seizing opportunities before it’s too late.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the show is the way it presents a variety of stories that all seem to unfold simultaneously, leaving you guessing about what’s really happening. Is she talking to a family member? Is she stranded on an island? Is she old and looking back on life? Has she passed away? The possibilities are endless, and the ambiguity invites you to create your own interpretation of the story as it plays out. It’s this open-ended nature that makes the show so captivating and allows the audience to engage on a deeper, more personal level.

The presenter’s quirky methods keep things lighthearted and entertaining, despite the weight of the underlying message. Her unconventional ways of storytelling create a fun contrast to the more serious themes of time running out and the importance of making the most of the present.

As a fellow thespian who appreciates great humour and theatre techniques, I really appreciate this style. The performance is a beautiful blend of storytelling, technique, and wit, showcasing an impressive use of theatrical methods that elevate the experience. It’s not just a show; it’s a well-executed piece of theatre that draws you in and keeps you thinking long after it’s over.

While the event is overall a great experience, there are moments where the narrative could be clearer for those looking for a more straightforward storyline. The ambiguity is part of the charm, but it might leave some feeling a bit lost at times. However, I couldn’t help but love this! 

In the end, “Look After Your Knees Show” is an enjoyable and thoughtful experience that challenges you to think about life and your own story. It’s a little quirky, a little mysterious, and a lot of fun. 4 out of 5 stars!

LUCIE JONES

TO GUEST STAR IN

‘QUEEN BY CANDLELIGHT’

A GALA CONCERT CELEBRATING

50 YEARS OF BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM

ON TUESDAY 8 APRIL 2025

Simon Gordon and Daniel Wood of Kinda Dusty Ltd. are delighted to announce that West End’s Lucie Jones will join the QUEEN BY CANDLELIGHT gala concert at the London Palladium on Tuesday 8 April. Lucie will be performing a number of huge Queen hits during the night, including No One But You and Who Wants To Live Forever.

 The concert is celebrating 50 years of Bohemian Rhapsody in a concert packed with over 25 of Queen’s biggest hits.

Lucie’s theatre credits include: Jenna Rink in the upcoming World Premiere production of 13 Going on 30 (Manchester Opera House); Jane Hayes in Austenland (Savoy Theatre Concert Workshop); Genevieve in The Baker’s Wife (Menier Chocolate Factory); Catherine in Pippin (Theatre Royal Drury Lane); Katie in Super You (Lyric Theatre); Fantine in Les Misérables (Sondheim Theatre); Elphaba in Wicked (Apollo Victoria); Jenna Hunterson in Waitress (Adelphi Theatre & UK Tour); Fantine in Les Misérables (Sondheim Theatre); Martha Percy in Treason (Cadogan Hall); Maureen in RENT (The Other Palace and UK Tour); Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (Leicester Curve, UK Tour and South Korea Opera House); Victoria in American Psycho (Almeida); and Cosette in Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre).

TV credits include: Midsomer Murders and The Sarah Jane Adventures. X factor finalist, 2009. Eurovision finalist, 2017.

Over the last five years Lucie has performed sold-out solo concerts in the West End, Cadogan Hall and Cardiff and embarked upon a UK solo tour with the Fulltone Orchestra.

QUEEN BY CANDLELIGHT has played over 300 sold-out shows across the world including Carnegie Hall, New York, arenas and theatres in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Australia, New Zealand and the UK and was the first ever live rock concert to play St Paul’s Cathedral. The concert boasts an incredible night of over 25 Queen Anthems, performed by candlelight and features a cast of West End singers who have previously all performed in QUEEN BY CANDLELIGHT, coming together for this special gala concert, accompanied by an epic live rock band.

The cast includes Georgia Carling (Matilda The Musical, Babies: A New Musical), Daniel Conway (Kinky Boots), Kinda Dusty co-director Simon Gordon (Bat Out of Hell, Heathers the Musical), Joel Harper Jackson (Cock, Jesus Christ Superstar), Nathan Lodge (Queen by Candlelight World tour), Patrick O’Sullivan (Bat Out of Hell, Dr Doolittle the Musical), Benjamin Purkiss (Bat Out of Hell, Zorro The Musical), Sandra Regan (Queen by Candlelight World tour), Rory Taylor (Thriller Live, RENT), Sam Toland Leigh (The Book Of Mormon, We Will Rock You) and Becca Wickes (SIX the Musical, Heathers the Musical).

QUEEN BY CANDLELIGHT includes some of the most iconic songs of all time, including Bohemian Rhapsody, It’s a Kind of Magic, We Are The Champions, Who Wants to Live Forever and many more.

QUEEN BY CANDLELIGHT is produced and directed by Simon Gordon and Daniel Wood of Kinda Dusty Ltd. with general management by Patrick O’Sullivan, orchestrations and musical supervision and direction by Sam Broadbere.

Website: concertsbycandlelight.com

Instagram: @concertsbycandlelight

LISTINGS INFORMATION

QUEEN BY CANDLELIGHT

Tuesday 8 April 2025, 7.30pm

The London Palladium

8 Argyll Street

London

W1F 7TF

lwtheatres.co.uk/the-london-palladium

Box Office: 020 3925 2998

Pre-sale: Wednesday 5 February,10am

General on sale: Friday 7 February, 10am

Tickets: from £24

Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 30th March 2025

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

A handbag!!!!! Yes, we all know this wonderful story, Oscar Wilde’s finest moment, but this version has some unexpected surprises.

Set in genteel society, Gwendoline has her heart set upon marrying someone called Earnest and, luckily, there’s a handsome eligible bachelor of that name to hand. Much hilarity ensues when the motley cast of proper upper class misfits attempt to navigate the social mores of the time, not always successfully.

Official cast members Terry (Guido Garcia Lueches playing Algernon) and Graham (Rhys Tees) launched the show with gusto and introduced the central premise masterfully. Watching them repeat the opening scene with slight, “unwanted” variations set the scene beautifully. Like The Play That Goes Wrong, the carefully prepared production soon begins to fray at the edges when the leading actor (playing Earnest) fails to show. This slight inconvenience is neatly negotiated by Director Simon Slough (Josh Haberfield) recruiting a willing audience member. Tonight’s Earnest was Matthew from the front row. And what a fabulous job he did! A confident entrance was followed by a spirited joining in and some delicious corpsing along the way.

Jennifer (Trynity Silk playing Gwendolen) and Eleanor (Judith Amsenga as Lady Bracknell) were both exceptional, making their new leading man’s entry to the thespianic realm as seamless as impossible. It’s hard to give examples of the nature of the hilarity without giving gags away and spoiling things…

Josh (Ben Mann) was the foil for our Director and a massive hit with the audience. He tried manfully to hold everything together with much running to and fro and was largely mute – beautifully conveying much with a facial expression and body language in a comedy acting masterclass. His on stage interactions with Director Simon made a particularly effective double act – especially during the “interval” merch stall debacle.

As the evening progressed more and more cast members became incapacitated, forcing more and more desperate measures. Obviously, each night of the run will be different as the audience mix varies. I’m sure half the fun and excitement is in not quite knowing what will transpire, how good the new recruits will be etc. Tonight’s auditorium debutantes were fabulous – proving both what a special place Malvern is and also how clever the writing and acting is. Rhys Tees was an especial standout with his multiple characters (and voice-overs).

The genius of this show is that it includes everything you could possibly want in an evening’s entertainment – the familiarity of a classic piece of theatre, the rollercoaster ride that is improvisation, the seat of the pants anything can happen moments when you work off script with amateurs… But mostly the generosity of a genuinely feel good comedy when everyone shares equally in the joke. The programme proclaims “the show that makes you a star” and that is absolutely the case – some of the biggest laughs came from the totally off the cuff remarks and reactions of the audience cast.

This wonderful show will have you roaring in the aisles and gagging for more. I cannot recommend this highly enough – it’s the show that I wish I could have reviewed all week long. A startling accomplishment from all concerned! Well done chaps, Oscar would be proud I’m sure.

Hull New Theatre 27th and 29th March 2025

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

4****

With music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and words by Emanuel Schikaneder (English version by Jeremy Sams) Opera North performed The Magic Flute to a very appreciative audience at Hull New Theatre last night. This is one of the Opera Norths performances in Hull the other being The Flying Dutchman on 28th March.

This was a superbly performed Opera, from the sets and costumes (designed by Colin Richmond) the lighting and the video (designed by Chris Davey and Douglas O’Connell respectively) which set the scene beautifully, to the fabulous cast who told the story faultlessly. The orchestra, conducted by Emilia Hoving, brought the production to life.

The Magic Flute is a fairy tale that they described in the programme as a “Singspiel (a sung play)” which includes singing and spoken dialogue. It tells the story of Tamino (Trystan Llŷr Griffiths) who is lost in a foreign land and is soon attacked by an enormous monster. He is rescued by three ladies (Charlie Drummond, Katie Sharpe, Hazel Croft). They kill the monster and show Tamino a picture of Pamina (Soraya Mafi) who is the beautiful daughter of the Queen of the Night (Nazan Fikret) and he falls in love with her and sets off on a quest to find his one true love helped, rather be reluctantly by bird catcher Papageno (Emyr Wyn Jones). What then follows is a story of love and betrayal and we find out if Tamino does succeed in his quest.

This is an excellent cast, stand out performances for me were Emyr Wyn Jones (Papageno) who was funny and his voice was stunning. Trystan Llŷr Griffiths (Tamino) and Soraya Mafi (Pamina) who were wonderful as the star-crossed lovers and Nazan Fikret (The Queen of the Night) who played the part brilliantly.

This is an excellent Opera to watch whether it is your first or you are an opera lover of many years.

Opera North never fail to impress and long may they continue to visit Hull and bring their fantastic and varied programme of Operas.

REVEREND RICHARD COLES ANNOUNCES LIVE TOUR FOR 2025 WITH BORDERLINE NATIONAL TRINKET

Impatient Productions in association with NMP Live are thrilled to announce that writer, broadcaster, podcaster, author and I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! runner up in 2024, Reverend Richard Coles will be embarking on a UK tour with live show Borderline National Trinket. Kicking off in Norwich on 25th May, tickets are on sale now and are available from https://richardcoles.seetickets.com/tour/richard-coles.

From his Strictly Come Dancing days to I’m A Celebrity… Reverend Richard Coles is the man with a heart of gold.   This show will allow audiences to delve into the extraordinary life of the nation’s favourite vicar. With his trademark wit and warmth, Reverend Richard Coles will share stories from his diverse career—charting his journey from 80s pop stardom with The Communards to life in the pulpit, broadcasting, and beyond. Expect candid reflections, hilarious anecdotes, and a glimpse behind the scenes of his most memorable moments in the spotlight.

Reverend Richard Coles is the only vicar to have had a UK number-one hit single and to have appeared as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing and since the first leg of this tour, he’s charmed his way to the final of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… He is also a much-loved broadcaster, and a Sunday Times bestselling author whose new novel, A Death On Location, comes out this summer. Is this national trinket on the verge of becoming a national treasure?

Many would say so, but the man himself would probably disagree. Still, whether you see him as treasure or trinket, this is a wonderful opportunity for an intimate evening with one of the UK’s most distinctive voices. Anecdotes from a life well lived, gossip, wit, and wisdom… and a Q&A that can, and likely will, go absolutely anywhere. From the jungle to the unexpected, no topic is off-limits. After phenomenal demand last year, the Reverend returns with a limited run of new dates for his first ever full national tour.

Reverend Richard Coles said today: “I am thrilled to be heading back out on tour again, I hope to be able to bring the confused ramblings of an aging starlet to audiences across the UK, and swapping creepy crawlies for candid conversation.”

Reverend Richard Coles is a former pop star turned Church of England vicar, broadcaster, and best-selling author. As one half of 1980s band The Communards, he achieved three UK Top 10 hits, including the best-selling single of 1986, Don’t Leave Me This Way, making him the only vicar to have had a UK number-one record. After leaving the music industry, he earned a theology degree and was ordained in 2005, serving as a parish priest until his retirement in 2022. From 2011 to 2022, he co-hosted BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live, and remains a regular voice on BBC Radio 2’s Pause for Thought. A familiar face on television, Richard has appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Have I Got News For You, and QI, and has presented documentaries including Good Grief? on Channel 4. He is a Fellow of King’s College London, Chancellor of the University of Northampton, and an Honorary Chaplain to the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers. As a prolific author, his memoir Fathomless Riches and the Sunday Times best-sellers The Madness of Grief and Murder Before Evensong have captivated readers.

Website: https://www.richardcoles.com/ / Facebook: @ReverendRichardColes / X: @RevRichardColes

LISTINGS INFORMATION

MAY 2025

26.05.25                                NORWICH                                            THEATRE ROYAL

31.05.25                                GUILDFORD                                         G LIVE

JUNE 2025

01.06.25                                RICHMOND                                          RICHMOND THEATRE

07.06.25                                CHESTER                                               STORYHOUSE

13.06.25                                ST ALBANS                                            THE ALBAN ARENA

24.06.25                                MANCHESTER                                      OPERA HOUSE

29.06.25                                LEEDS                                                     GRAND THEATRE

JULY 2025

01.07.25                                CARDIFF                                                NEW THEATRE

02.07.25                                BIRMINGHAM                                      THE ALEXANDRA

06.07.25                                GLASGOW                                           KINGS THEATRE

07.07.25                                EDINBURGH                                         ASSEMBLY ROOMS

08.07.25                                YORK                                                     OPERA HOUSE

11.07.25                                BOURNEMOUTH                                  THE PAVILION

14.07.25                                OXFORD                                               NEW THEATRE

17.07.25                                TUNBRIDGE WELLS                              ASSEMBLY HALL

TuckShop and Walport Productions presents:

THE DIANA MIXTAPE

STARRING DRAG ROYALTY COURTNEY ACT, BABY, DIVINA DE CAMPO, ROSÉ AND KITTY SCOTT-CLAUS

WORLD PREMIERE IN LONDON AT HERE @ OUTERNET

28 JULY – 10 AUGUST 2025

FOLLOWED BY A LIMITED RUN AT LOWRY, SALFORD 19 – 24 AUGUST 2025

The Diana Mixtape Images available to download here!

Part musical, part concert, part biopic – THE DIANA MIXTAPE is a brand-new production by TuckShop’s Christopher D. Clegg, that will have its world premiere in London at Here @Outernet this summer, from 28 July – 10 August 2025, with a press performance on 31 July 8pm. Access performances will be announced soon.

You are cordially invited to join our Di, the People’s Princess, for the gig of a lifetime…quite literally! Telling the story of a humble commoner (who just happened to be a Lady) in a concert like nothing you have experienced before with an all-star cast, iconic fashion throwbacks and fierce choreography.

Featuring music originally performed by Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Jade, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, Kylie Minogue and many more, this hilarious yet heartwarming musical gig is a guaranteed rollicking good time.

Brought to you by the creator and producer of DEATH DROP, COOL RIDER and GALS ALOUD, this high-octane royal romp is a love letter to Diana and her legacy as one of the most celebrated and adored figures in history.

THE DIANA MIXTAPE will star drag royalty Courtney Act, Baby, Divina De Campo, Rosé and Kitty Scott-Claus as Diana (yes, they’re all playing Diana) with further casting of Charles, Camilla, The Queen and more to be announced. 

Creator and director Christopher D. Clegg said: “The Diana Mixtape is like nothing you’ve ever seen before, and I’m so excited to launching this world premiere show in London and Salford. Part musical, part concert, part biopic; it’s the lovechild of SIX, & Juliet, The Crown, and Drag Race. With a cast of 13 actors, dancers and drag queens, and an incredible score of pop bangers from the biggest female artists of the 21st century, this retelling the iconic story of the People’s Princess is as loving and heartfelt as it is fierce and fabulous. Just you wait till’ you meet Ar’ Di!”

Alongside creator, writer and director Christopher D. Clegg, this one-of-a-kind show is brought to life by musical direction and additional arrangements by Matthew Harvey, alongside choreographer Taz Hoesli, costume designer River Smith, lighting designer Toby P. Darvill, dramaturg Geri Allen with video design by Adam Nightingale and, you guessed it, Christopher D. Clegg.

Divina De Campo, who is no stranger to theatre and has starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Chicago and The SpongeBob Musical said, “Finally! I’m finally getting to work with the team at Tuckshop on this exciting new project and sharing the stage with so many other wonderful performers! I’m overjoyed to be onboard with what promises to be a hilarious joyful show.”

Kitty Scott-Claus, who most recently was runner up on Drag Race Global All Stars, said, “Playing the people’s princess- sounds camp I’m in. Beyond thrilled to be back with Tuckshop working on this incredible show- I’m so excited for the craziness.”

Rosé, finalist in US Drag Race season 13, said, “I am ecstatic to be returning home to the UK to create art utilizing my three favourite things: music, drag, and Princess Diana. What a thrill to be portraying actual royalty amongst drag royalty. I shaved my bloody moustache for this, so consider it MAJOR!”

PLAYHOUSE THEATRE, LIVERPOOL – UNTIL SATURDAY 29TH MARCH 2025

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

4****

‘Tambo and Bones’, written by American poet and playwright Dave Harris, delves into themes of race, identity, and societal expectations through the experiences of two characters, Tambo and Bones. Set within the context of a stereotypical minstrel show, the play employs humour, satire, and dark elements to critique the legacy of blackface.

The production unfolds in three stylistically totally different acts, each delving into various eras and highlighting how individuals of colour often feel pressured to conform to societal stereotypes in order to be acknowledged or accepted. Tambo and Bones has garnered acclaim for its thought-provoking themes, powerful performances, and ability to compel the audience to confront uncomfortable truths regarding racism, performance, and identity.

The production has received mixed, yet predominantly positive reviews, particularly for its skilful fusion of absurdist comedy with significant social commentary. Critics have praised its distinctive style, which combines moments of physical comedy and lively performances with deeply serious and emotive segments. The principal characters, Tambo, portrayed by Clifford Samuel and Bones played by Daniel Ward, embody both comedic foils and tragic figures within the narrative. They skilfully navigate and ultimately subvert the expected roles imposed upon them, creating a thought-provoking and engaging theatrical experience.

At the conclusion of the show, there is no curtain call or bows. Following a brief moment of silence, an announcement is made, inviting the audience to remain in their seats for up to 15 minutes to reflect on the themes explored during the performance. Additionally, a sensory space is provided before, during, and after the show, with qualified therapists available to offer support to anyone in need. On Thursday, the Playhouse also organised a special event specifically designed for individuals who have experienced racism firsthand.

Overall, “Tambo & Bones” emerges as a thought-provoking production that prompts audiences to face uncomfortable truths regarding race and representation, while offering a distinctive theatrical experience.

Waterloo East Theatre – until 4th May 2025

Reviewed by Ben Jolly

4****

Returning for a third season at Waterloo East Theatre, F**king Men by playwright and lyricist Joe DiPietro shows no signs of slowing down. Based upon the controversial and much ahead of its time play, La Ronde written by Arthur Schnitzle at the turn of the twentieth century, this adaption brings us sharply into the present day with a group of ten seemingly unrelated men as they navigate their lives, loves and sexual escapades in today’s world.

With a continuous revolving door (both literally and figuratively), the play gives us a glimpse into the relationships the characters form with each other in mostly two-hander scenes starting with their sexual encounters and building a connection from there but still cleverly weaves their stories together. This warrants the six (or in this case, ten) degrees of separation theory to be accurate and ties the play together, thus keeping the audience invested throughout. The talented cast double or triple up on characters which naturally results in some scenes working better than others with their characterisations and chemistry, but with shrewd direction by Steven Kunis, they even out as best they can. Billed as a “dramatic comedy”, it’s clear from the beginning that this play knows what it’s about; it doesn’t pander to its audience or judge the behaviour of its characters and manages to seamlessly entertain and provoke thought while including some moments of genuine warmth.

Producing this piece at Waterloo East Theatre, tucked away and under the arches, the mise en scène takes care of itself and one can’t help but feel like they’re stepping into any gay bar in Soho when entering the venue; this feeling is enhanced further with an edgy soundtrack by Julian Starr, resourceful set design by Cara Evans and lighting design by Alex Lewer.

It might be the abs on the poster or “naughty” title that initially sparks your interest in seeing this play, but with its witty dialogue, heartfelt beats and charming cast, you’ll certainly get more for your buck than you might expect.

The Grand Theatre Leeds – until Saturday 29 March 2025

Reviewed by Gretel Price

5*****

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is a classic musical for a reason. Originally composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics written by Tom Rice, its set designs, show-stopping songs and colourful costumes make it feel like more than just a musical. General management Micheal Harrison Entertainment successfully recreated the true magic of this iconic show. After over fifty years from when it was first performed, it still never fails to fascinate the audience.

As a musical, ‘Joseph’ is very much ensemble orientated, featuring both children and adults bringing their best abilities to the stage. The children were truly a gifted group of performers, emitting energy and joy into every scene, and even adopting some adult roles. They are led by the wonderful Christina Bianco (The Narrator) and the fantastic Adam Filipe (Joseph) who couldn’t have been more ideal for their characters. Bianco was an outstanding narrator, bringing humour and light to the entire show and an incredible voice which guided the musical start to finish. Her ability to commend the audience’s laughter at any moment was unparalleled and the chemistry on stage between her and the other cast members was genuinely special to watch. Like Bianco, Filipe also had both the charm and powerful vocals to make a memorable Joseph of his own, leaving the audience in awe of his talents. Another phenomenal performance was Joe McElderry (X-Factor winner) as Pharoh in Act 2 who further enhanced the comedic elements of the show and brought both life and passion into his role.

Set and Costume designer Morgan Large and lighting designer Ben Cracknell went above and beyond ordinary musical sets and completely transformed the stage into a burst of colour, capturing stunning Egyptian desert settings. The visuals were utterly spectacular – the glowing sunset radiated vibrancy, to reflect each song. The Technicolour Dreamcoat itself was extraordinary and moved gracefully with Joseph from each twirl. Large and Cracknell perfectly executed the song ‘Joseph’s Coat’ with the lighting framing the stage to match each colour named. Rainbow was successfully incorporated into most of the costumes for the ensemble – even in dull moments such as ‘Those Canaan Days’. However, a particular highlight for me was the illuminous prison scene where Cracknell was able to reflect shards of light across the floor from the prison bars, contrasted with a dark glow of blue. This added such a beautiful depiction of Joesph’s loneliness which was then of course immediately contrasted with the next scene.

Throughout the entire show all songs were sung pitch-perfect to full volume, allowing the audience to feel involved with the cast. This was especially magical at the end in the ‘Joseph Megamix’ where the audience were encouraged to stand up and dance with those on stage from their seats and sing along with a mashup of all songs. As a sung-through musical it was almost unbelievable to watch the cast enjoy their roles and not tire of the physical stamina needed to dance and sing with maximum energy continuously. The true standout for me which demonstrated this was the Pharoh’s ‘Song of the King’ which mesmerised the audience as we watched the spectacular golden Egyptian set transform across the globe into a lively ‘Vegas’ inspired scene. The energy was infectious, and it was impossible not to laugh or smile while watching. I do believe this was an absolutely unmissable show and would recommend it for all people of all ages.