A much-loved musical
If you could bottle Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, I’m sure it would be the perfect blend of nostalgia, foot-stomping, sing-out-loud songs and a fair dose of cheesy cheeriness.
A musical that really has stood the test of time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was for me, very much a part of my childhood – piling in the car with my grandparents to sing, dance and laugh along to the much-loved musical always brings back fond memories.
So, when I was offered the chance to review it, I set the soundtrack on repeat and practised my best choir-singing voice for what turned out to be another stellar show at Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre.
A colourful cast
Bursting onto the stage with a zeal and vibrance that had everyone leaving their worries at the door, the cast delighted an audience of all ages with the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Peppered with joyous jokes, larger-than-life characters and catchy songs, that you can’t help but sing along to, Joseph was played by former Union J singer, Jaymi Hensley, whose performance left behind his popstar past and provided an incredible vocal to the show that demanded you took him seriously.
The narrator, Alexandra Doar, made her professional debut with her stunning voice and those impressive key changes that we could only half attempt from our seats – some things are better left to the professionals!
Bringing the stage to life though, were the brothers whose powerful vocals, tireless dance routines and passionate personalities had us laughing out loud, clapping along and even dancing out of our seats for the finale.
A dazzling show
The charming thing about Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is that each show features a local choir. Cheltenham’s performance featured Cheltenham, Cirencester and Gloucester Stagecoach Performing Arts Schools with beautiful harmonies and smiling faces looking out for their parents in the audience.
For me, that’s the whole appeal of the musical. You forget what’s happening outside, laugh along with someone twice or even half your age and sing like you’re up there on the stage yourself.
Expect nothing short of a dazzling show, fantastic performances from a truly talented cast, and a warm fuzzy feeling in your tummy as you dance and sing your way home out of the theatre like I did.
SoGlos loves
Visitors to Everyman Theatre can enjoy the newly refurbished foyer, which after a fresh lick of paint and new flooring, feels open, spacious and welcoming.
Book now
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at Everyman Theatre until Saturday 31 August 2019.
For more information call (01242) 572573 or visit everymantheatre.org.uk directly.
By Sophie Bird
