This revival of one of Lloyd Webber's most iconic pieces certainly lived up to the hype. Joseph is a stalwart of the British theatre circuit and holds a very special place in the heart of a generation of theatre goers.
In the last few years, there have been numerous reincarnations of the story with various attempts at 'reinventing the wheel' - that is to say that production teams have tried to develop the show beyond the norm with varying degrees of success.
The Palladium production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat feels like it does things slightly differently. Both in terms of staging and branding, this show harks back to the 90s era of the show and pays homage to arguably one of the most iconic pieces of theatre on the planet.
The multi award-winning musical has been performed in over 80 countries worldwide and has become one of the world’s most beloved family musicals. Nominated for no less than seven Tony's and nine Olivier Awards, Joseph is based on the Bible’s book of Genesis and originates from a cantata written for a school choir.
As you enter the auditorium you’re met with a rainbow of colour illuminating the curtain. This sets the tone for an immaculate staging of the show, with exceptional lighting design and a set which was visually stunning. There were amazing interactive sections including an animatronic eagle deity and the classic dog deity, Anubis which stood tall on stage playing guitar! It all reminds you that, whilst Joseph is a major player in theatre-land, it's also an incredibly fun and catchy show which doesn't take itself too seriously.
The current UK tour brings with it stars from the Palladium production, including Alexandra Burke, Jason Donovan and Jac Yarrow - all of whom are simply outstanding. Special mention to Yarrow and Burke who, as a duo, have a chemistry and stage presence which is simply captivating. Yarrow in particular has a level of talent far beyond his years. He's been out of drama school since 2019 and went straight into a part that he's really made his own in a way that's distinct and admirable.
He could so easily slip into becoming a tribute act for Donovan's iconic stint as the youngest son, but he doesn't. He delivers the part with a maturity and capability which is very distinctly his own.
There should also be a special nod to all of the children on stage who sang, danced and portrayed multiple characters throughout the show. If these are the actresses and actors of tomorrow, we have some stellar theatrical futures ahead of us.
Whether you’re a long-time Joseph fan or if you’ve never seen the performance before, now is your chance to see an iconic show on an iconic stage - it's a tonic we need right now and, as ever, one of the best family shows to use as your opportunity for some escapism.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolr Dreamcoat plays at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 16th April. For more information, or to get your tickets, head to birminghamhippodrome.com.
