Darlington Hippodrome – until 25 May 2019
5*****
Way way back many centuries ago (well 35 years!), Joseph was the first ever musical I saw. Which instilled in me a lifelong love of both theatre and of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
So, having seen the show many times, I was thrilled to see the best version of Joseph that I have ever seen. Currently on tour and in Darlington this week.
Written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1968, Bill Kenwright directs Jaymi Hensley in the title role of Joseph. Hensley is outstanding, lyrically versatile and immensely likeable. His vocals were outstanding for Close Every Door, showing a huge range of emotions and he seemed to be genuinely enjoying himself in the role.
Trina Hill carries the show in her role of Narrator, seamlessly singing the parts of the show together. She’s sweet without being saccharine with some belting vocals. Henry Metcalfe returns to play Jacob, the father of Joseph and 11 more incredible versatile and good looking son’s – Alex Hetherington, Arthur Boan, Ed Tunningley, Lewis Asquith, George Beet, Mikey Jay-Heath, Matt Jolly, Corey Mitchell, Joshua Robinson and Callum Connolly. Andrew Geater dual roles as brother Asher and the fabulous Elvis-esq Pharaoh. The handmaidens Amber Kennedy, Anna Campkin and Gemma Pipe help move the plot portraying wives, Ishmaelites and camels. With help from the Joseph Choir of around 30 children who stay sitting on the stage throughout the performance.
There are many different styles of tune – rock, pop and calypso to name a few. The choreography by Henry Metcalfe and Gary Lloyd is stunning – especially the tango during Those Canaan Days
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is now over 50 years old but shows no sign of ageing. The songs are all incredibly familiar from the overture to the famous Joseph Mega-mix at the end it’s impossible not to sing along.
With a standing ovation and an encore that goes on forever, expressive singing of well written songs, comic interaction and spellbinding performances make this a show not to be missed.
In Darlington until Saturday 25 May and on tour around the UK