When ‘Joseph graced the scene’ in a town, the whole crowd bow down like stars and ears of corn and Sheffield is no exception. A packed audience of all age ranges filled the Lyceum to witness the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s lyrics in their first successful collaboration (1968) – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Originally written 50 years ago as an Easter school concert for London’s Colet Court School by request of the music teacher; this phenomenon known as ‘Joseph’ shows no signs of abating! This is important to understanding the origins of this show as the latest touring production does not lose sight of its original intended audience. Definitely, one that children can easily comprehend and necessarily a little twee in places.
This current touring version makes all, but one musical number (that being the iconic, Close Every Door), a full scale ensemble piece, with high energy showstopper after showstopper. It really is a spectacle, with a very hard working cast, who really earn their money – non-stop lightening quick costume changes and almost constant on stage time. Take a deep breath in the Overture as this leaves you breathless until the interval!
‘Loosely’ it must be said, following the biblical story of Joseph and his eleven brothers, we follow the uplifting story, from Joseph – the boy with a dream, through treachery, famine and hardship and eventually onto the happily fulfilling conclusion – Joseph becomes Pharaoh’s number One, is reunited with his loving father Jacob and his eleven brothers are forgiven their earlier sins and saved from starvation. From the moment the overture starts under the accomplished baton of John Rigby, the nine piece band resonate the well-known music with vigour and finesse throughout the auditorium. The quality of sound produced is exceptional and Gareth Owen as Sound Designer plays a big part in this success. Under the Direction of Laurence Connor this production does not let the audience relax for a moment. With my personal highlight being the exquisite choreography by Joann M. Hunter, this tour hits new heights from previous productions in these areas. Morgan Large’s set and costume design are elaborate when needed (Pharaoh’s scenes) but minimalised from previous incarnations to allow for the size of this ensemble to set the scene for the audience, aided by Ben Cracknell’s Lighting Design the mood and tone of every event in the story delivers a wonderful ambience.
The Casting has Joe McElderry as the crowd pleasing Pharaoh and he plays this role with just the right amount of awareness of the whole Cast – not one of over upstage in role, this is a much appreciated but balanced portrayal. The title role of Joseph was played by the understudy on the night I was there, and Davide Fienauri did not disappoint. His renditions of the well-known songs were given a new fresh lease of life and his acting was on pointe and this young man can obviously dance! The Narrator in this latest production has some big changes from the original, with the role requiring a large amount of multiple role play as Jacob, Potipher’s Wife to name a few. This resulting in a much larger and energetic role for the Narrator, rather than the previous mainly vocal role. This change was solidified with the final bows being, Joseph, then Pharaoh then the Narrator to conclude – in that order. Christina Bianco undertook the huge role with much aplomb and her singing voice was powerful and clear however, I did find her accent and energy progressively wearing.
The Brothers were all very talented both in role and in ensemble with some wonderful characterised interpretations of the choreography (Those Canaan Days and One More Angel in Heaven in particular). Will Haswell as Simeon draw my attention whenever he entered the stage, one to watch for the future? It was rather peculiar however, how the four younger brothers were played by the children’s ensemble, as this jarred with the adult in role as Joseph. The entire and vast Children’s ensemble are used much more in this production including all the minor roles such as the Baker, Butler, Potiphar etc and not just as choral backing in one or two numbers. On the whole the children were profession on stage although, one or two lacked focus at times – not something you expect from a professional production.
The large adult ensemble are the Production’s crowning glory with wonderful direction and choreography to make their performance seamless, add the stellar principal cast and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is the hottest ticket in town. A great family show which will leave you breathless and singing the whole way home. At the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre until Saturday 12th July 2025 as part of the UK tour. Tickets are available from Sheffield Theatres Box Office, https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/
Reviewer: Tracey Bell
Reviewed: 9th July 2025
North West End UK Rating: