Joseph still as amazing as ever (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Joseph still as amazing as ever

11:41pm Tuesday 20th September 2011 in Reviews By Emma Clayton

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at The Alhambra, Bradford

Although I’m not fond of the Biblical musical genre, I generally find this a great show for family audiences.

Its warmth, humour and cheeky irreverence makes it a striking introduction to musical theatre for youngsters, and this fresh new production delivered the goods in style.

Originally written for schools, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s lively re-telling of the story of Joseph, cast out by his brothers, only to return triumphant in his coat of many colours, is jam-packed with musical styles.

There’s line-dancin’ country and western, big-hearted gospel, slick jazz, a melancholy Parisian ballad, upbeat calypso and an infectious bout of rock ‘n’ roll, Vegas Elvis-style.

A talented young cast kept the action racing along to the familiar score, boasting crowd-pleasers One More Angel in Heaven, Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door.

He may have finished second to winner Lee Mead in BBC1’s Any Dream Will Do, but Keith Jack more than proved himself as Joseph. I usually find the character grates on my nerves a bit, but Keith’s interpretation was refreshingly endearing. He looked like he was born to wear that technicolor coat.

The most demanding role is surely the Narrator, played here by Jennifer Potts who shone the whole time she was on stage, which was pretty much all the time.

Adam Jarrell was an impressive white-suited Pharoah – his hip-swivelling dream scene, flanked by swooning cheerleaders, was my highlight – and Henry Metcalfe was touching as Jacob.

Great performances too from the handmaidens, Joseph’s swarthy brothers and the Joseph Choir, comprised of talented children from the Young Showstoppers in Heckmondwike.

The rousing finale had a delighted audience on its feet. Go, Joseph!

Runs until Saturday.