Like a boomerang, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat keeps returning back to theatres across the country. Watching the musical at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford it was easy to understand why the show continues to be so successful: songs that have gone on to become pop and musical theatre classics, elaborate costumes and a storyline where good triumphs over bad all added up to a very entertaining evening.
With a running time of just over ninety minutes there was no opportunities for any young – or older minds to wander.
Filled with the X Factor
Former X Factor winner Alexandra Burke excelled as The Narrator, any doubts I had about her were soon dispelled as her warm nature, enthusiasm and commanding stage presence won me over with her powerful vocals reminding everyone why she is one of the UK’s most distinguishable powerhouse vocalists. The singer convincingly played other parts too such as Jacob, switching between roles with ease, though ultimately it was Burke who held the night together.
Jac Yarrow as Joseph brought charm, confidence and a youthful exuberance to the role. His voice too was fantastic on songs such as Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door. The role is mostly associated with Jason Donovan, however Yarrow comfortably owned the part in this high-octane production.
Pharaoh and king
Having seen Joseph so many times I did wonder if they had changed any of the scenes to keep the show fresh, which indeed they have. Some worked better than others. Normally at the end of the show ribbons of colours are pulled out from Joseph’s coat – sadly this integral part of the show was missing. Thankfully the Elvis Presley pastiche was still firmly intact with Bobby Windebank as the Pharaoh sparkling with his near perfect impression of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. With the swagger of his hips and a wink in his eye, Windebank was for me one of the best Elvis impersonators I have witnessed.
The young children on stage were a pure delight as they interacted with the adults. Add to that the conductor of the orchestra who engaged the audience as he encouraged them to sing along at the appropriate moments and you have a bright and colourful show that in these turbulent times offers some well needed sound and colour.
A quick reprise of the songs at the conclusion of the show brought everyone up on their feet, making it feel like you were at a pop concert.
Like me you will definitely still be singing the songs on your way home – and even the morning after. A real tonic, this is a show that will make you smile and sing.
Runs until Saturday 22 October 2022 at the Alhambra, Bradford
