Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - UK Tour Review

Reviewed by Mark at Theatre Royal in Nottingham

Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's adaptation of Joseph has been delighting audiences for over 50 years and this stellar production directed by Laurence Connor feels as fresh and alive as ever. The production was first seen at the London Palladium in 2019 and is now back playing on its second UK tour.

Adam Filipe as Joseph. Photo by Tristram Kenton

The story of Joseph taken from the Bible's Book of Genesis is played with real lightheartedness and an undercurrent of comedy alongside the iconic soundtrack provided by Lloyd Webber and Rice. This is a production that is serious about not being too serious. Its bright palette of colours and tremendous cast brings new life to a show that for many was a gateway show in theatre in the first place.

Taking on the titular role is Adam Filipe. Filipe is a tremendous Joseph, his vocals are stunning (particularly in the big solo 'Close Every Door') and he commands the stage with real confidence. There is often so much going on around Filipe that it could be easy for him to become lost in it all but he does a superb job of making Joseph stand out.

Joe McElderry is given top billing as he returns to the show having previously taken on the title role. Here he plays Pharaoh who doesn't appear until 5 minutes into the second act. His entrance is well worth the wait though as he bursts to life in 'Song Of The King'. He doesn't go full-out Elvis but brings enough of a flair to the role and laps up a couple of encores to the song. He showcases the vocals that made him a household name when he won The X-Factor in 2009.

Undoubtedly the star of the show is Christina Bianco as The Narrator. Bianco is having the most fun and she is constantly delightful to watch. Bianco also plays Jacob, with the addition of a beard, it's an ingenious decision to multi-role the narrator. Bianco plays it all with a twinkle in her eye throughout as she nods and winks the audience whilst driving the story forward. Her vocals are sensational, she can belt as well as hitting a softer sound. This really is her show and she is making the most of every moment.

Christina Bianco as Narrator. Photo by Tristram Kenton

It's enjoyable to see the production given a fresh feel. With some of the roles taken on by the children’s ensemble. Having the younger brothers played by the kids is a great move and it works really well as they fit in alongside the adult brothers. Although it doesn't land as well for other moments including Potiphar, especially as his wife (again played by Bianco) has a very cheeky routine which certainly isn't one for younger minds! This lessens the impact of certain moments in the story.

The ensemble are fantastic adding excellently to the piece. Through strong vocals and tremendous movement, the whole piece is enhanced by the ensemble of both the adults and the children. The Brothers in particular are superbly played. Will Haswell's Simeon stands out with magnificent vocals in 'Those Canaan Days' as does Hugh Cotton's Reuben in 'One More Angel In Heaven'. 

The score is full of iconic songs in the musical theatre canon, from 'Any Dream Will Do', 'Joseph's Coat' and 'Go, Go, Go Joseph'. The orchestra under musical director John Rigby creates a cracking sound with the crystal clear sound design of Gareth Owen. The numbers are often given punchy dance routines with Joann M. Hunter's choreography ramping everything up. There are dance breaks littered throughout which further delights the audience. 

Visually the production is a feast for the senses too. Morgan Large's huge lavish set designs help drive everything forward and paired together with Ben Cracknell's lighting you are really watching an extravaganza of a show. Cracknell's lighting helps create drama and enhances numerous scenes including the character's first entrances. 

The ensemble. Photo by Tristram Kenton.

The show ends with a Megamix that brings the audience to their feet. It's 7 minutes of sheer joy that ends the night on a real high. Whether this is your first or your tenth watch of the show you leave the theatre on a high having watched a real family spectacular. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs at Theatre Royal in Nottingham until Saturday 15th February 2025. Tickets are available from https://trch.co.uk/. The tour continues with dates booking until Sunday 10th August 2025. Visit https://uk.josephthemusical.com/ for full tour dates and venues.