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This is Bradford Online Bradford Alhambra Theatre 5 Dec 2001 Graham Tudor as Joseph Andrew Lloyd Webber might not be the hippest name to drop at a party but it would have taken a truly joyless critic to leave this opening night without a smile on his face. Those looking for a middle-brow taste of feel-good Christmas cheer were not disappointed at this energy-fuelled opening night performance. A sell-out family audience lapped up everything this version of the Tim Rice and Lloyd Webber collaboration, now in its 33rd year, could throw at them. The show whizzed by with an action packed, breathless, flawless performance from each of the huge cast of actors, singers and dancers. Narrator Aura Deva, delivering the story with a terrific rock opera annunciation that Kate Bush would have been proud of, commanded the stage effortlessly whenever she sang. And Graham Tudor in the lead role was an endearing blue-eyed boy, whose strong voice grew in confidence as the show progressed, rising impressively to the task for the gothic centrepiece Close Every Door To Me. Classy dancing from the handmaidens and Joseph's 11 brothers added to the powerful spell. With dazzling costume changes and a magical set of pharaohs and vast, star-filled skies, the performance delivered a visual and aural punch. By the end, spurred on by the hilarious gyrations of an Elvis-fixated pharaoh, the audience including children, parents and grandparents were all dancing in the aisles. The cast beamed back at them with a look that said "job done". Nice one. Jim Jack |
Sheffield Star, 12 December 2001 Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical makes a change from pantomime at the Lyceum for the festival season here in Sheffield. The show is full of exuberance and energy. Vocals are powerful and their voices are thrilling. The visual image is glamorous, sparkiling and with a profusion of colour. The enthusiastic junior chorus of Stagecoach students creates a prsonal touch, whihc is easy to appreciate and certainly adds to the performance. The viewer cannot help being enthralled and uplifted by the feel-good factor of the show - many of the audience of jumped to their feet to join in with the encore. However, this production still has its feet firmly cemented in the 70's - the West End revival of the 1990's may have increased its success for a while but audiences generally demand more now. The varied musical genres included in the show are cleverly woven into the fabric of Joseph but the 70's disco dancing and outfi just don't cut the mustard any more. Prehaps the set is a little odd for the Lyceum too - although well-designed it does not have the grandeur required for a show of such repute. Regardless of all that though, this is an ideal theatre visit for the whole family. By Joy Wright |
Sheffield Telegraph, 14 December 2001 After the success of years of Christmas pantomimes at the Lyceum, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat comes as quite a change. Joseph has its critics (and not only those who turn thier noses up at anything Andrew Lloyd Webber and sniff at "populist" musicals). It is true that, afer 12 years touring the UK, some aspects of this Bill Kenwright production - most notably the brothers' monogrammed overalls and 1970's costume - are beginning to look dated. But in other ways it is because of, rather than in spite of, its age that Joseph makes for reassuringly familiar entertainment, just like the best pantomimes. And the show has lots to recommend it. For overall visual impact it is bright, bold and brilliantly colourful and the songs are all as wonderful as ever. The performers are energertic and enthusiastic, as are the girls and boys of the Stagecoach Theatre Arts School who make up the chorus. And it really is full two hours of all-round family entertainment - colour and dance for the youngsters, witty lyrics to entertain the adults and a hunky enough Joseph to keep even the most uninterested of teenage girls captivated. Trevor Jary returns as Pharaoh - the Elvis Presley of Biblical Egypt - and Vivienne Carlyle, who has worked as a backing vocalist for Barry Manilow, Michael Bolton and Dina Carroll, is splendid as the narrator. But rightly it is Graham Tudor as Joseph who really steals the show, with his powerful voice, cheeky smile and general loincloth-clad loveliness. By Sarah Crabtree |
Whitfield Family Review, 13 December 2001 No panto at the Lyceum...? JOSEPH for Christmas...? Get over your shock and go and enjoy it. It's a great idea and this is a very good show. Even Sam (10) amd Sophie (7) were dubious. Having spent years singing along to Joseph tapes and video, and having seen the show before, they could raise little enthusiasm for going. Within minutes, however, they wereookeand came out 'fantastic'. This is a very fresh and lively production, full of genuine charm. the excellent cast are clearly enjoyng themselves and display a real respect for the show and the audience. Graham Tudor as Joseph is stunning. He's Sam and Sophie's favourite (Sophie loved his angel cameo). Sam describes him as "a very good actor with a great voice". He's right. Tudor has a voice range, power and emotional depth. He makes an extremely likeable and engaging Joseph. The rest of the cast are very strong too. Vivienne Carlyle's Narrator sings wonderfully and connects well with the audience. Trevor Jary relishes Pharaoh (we even had plit trousers for our performnce). Joseph...may have been around (in various forms) since 1968, but on this evidence, shows no sing of losing its power to engage and entertain. A highly recommened Christmas treat. By Paul, Gertie, Sam and Sophie Whitfield. |
