UK Theatre Network Online
Kings Theatre, Glasgow 04 April, 2005
By: Cameron Lowe
:
Sibling rivalry is rarely constructive – but in biblical times it was downright dangerous! Joseph’s eleven brothers sold him into slavery and convinced his father that he had died saving them from a wild goat. Sounds like the premise for a record breaking family musical to me!
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat bounced energetically onto the Kings Theatre stage in Glasgow last night and gathered up the audience in an irresistible ball of humour, dance and song. The show rolls along in a seemingly effortless fashion beginning with a high level of energy but still gathering pace throughout. As a family musical it simply knocks the others into left field.
Joseph was famously written in 1968 as a school concert piece – at the time only 15 minutes long. The instant appeal of the music and the lyrical humour encouraged writers Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to expand the musical. So, with tongues firmly placed in cheeks, they wrote what was to eventually become the longest running touring stage musical ever.
This production is outstanding. West-End star Richard Swerrun (Joseph) dons the many coloured coat with some style. His outstanding vocal talents are utilised well in a role that is all too often ‘dumbed down’ for falling TV stars. Abigail Jaye (Narrator) oozes confidence and charm engaging the audience in a heartbeat. The remaining professional cast were all admirable but Dean Nolan (Napthali / Baker) must be mentioned as outstanding alongside Charlotte Hall, Dani McCallum and Naomi Slater who displayed tireless dance talent as the Handmaidens.
Lighting and sound were effective with the beautiful set only shaken by the boundless energy of the dancing cast. Music was a little over synthesised but supported the cast’s voices well. The final mention must go to the children of local stage school "Starstruck" who’s energy and dicipline were outstanding.
Quite simply this show should not be missed. If you can’t afford a ticket you could always consider selling a relative!
Tuesday, 12th April 2005
Joseph And His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Palace Theatre Manchester
By
Natalie Anglesey
THEY didn’t have mobile phones in the book of Genesis, we were reminded before the show, and the song Go, Go Go Joseph certainly didn’t appear in the Bible, but nevertheless, it had the audience clapping along at the return of that rare thing, a family musical.
Written by those two legendary knights of the musical stage, Sir Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Sir Tim Rice, Joseph was originally conceived for a London school’s end of term concert in 1968, but the popular album which followed guaranteed a successful stay in the West End in the early seventies.
Unbelievably, it’s still going strong and it’s now in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest-running touring stage musical of all time.
Perhaps the key to its success is accessibility, because it’s a familiar boy’s own adventure story involving kidnapping and intrigue.
Webber’s music is certainly memorable and, embellished by Rice’s witty lyrics, there are musical numbers like Any Dream Will Do and the haunting Close Every Door, which are contrasted with the relief of almost relentlessly jolly numbers like Jacob And Sons as well as the famous Coat Of Many Colours.
In Bill Kenwright’s glossy production, Richard Swerrun is an appealing Joseph and Abigail Jaye is in good voice as the Narrator.
Added to that, there’s some local talent in the cast, plus choirs from Chester, Wrexham and The Wirral. Who can ask for anything more?
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