In this nostalgic journey back to Egypt, prepare for talking camels, inflatable sheep and bags of cheesy fun!
Now in it's 36th year, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's famous musical continues on its record breaking tour. Retelling the familiar biblical story of Joseph and the betrayal of his eleven jealous brothers, the show is full of unforgettable songs like 'Any Dream Will Do', 'Those Canaan Days' and 'Close Every Door'.
The show was nostalgic for me, being the first musical I ever saw on stage as a child as well as performing in it myself at primary school. With lots of younger audience members, it is easy to see why Joseph is a firm family favourite.
With it's 100 minute running time,tongue in cheek humour, cheesy props that wouldn't be out of place in a pantomime (the inflatable sheep and thought bubbles were a personal favourite) and a 32 strong choir of children, it is perfect for all ages.
X Factor winner, Joe McElderry opened the show in 2016 and has reprised the role for the 2017 tour. He gave a very polished performance as Joseph. He acted and danced his way through the show with ease and confidence. Joe really impressed with his great voice. Whispers of 'Wow' could be heard through the audience after his first big number. He also has the infectious cheesy grin and the boundless enthusiasm that is essential for the lead role in any musical. It is very possible that his dazzling smile made some audience members go weak at the knees!
The Narrator is played by Britain's Got Talent runner up, Lucy Kay. With her strong vocals, Lucy was able to hold the whole show together, seamlessly connecting the story scene by scene.
Another notable performance came from Ben James Ellis, playing the hip-shaking Elvis inspired Pharaoh.
The set is big and bold and includes a huge staircase allowing the stage to be entirely full of cast members so there is constantly loads to look at and take in. The costumes are quirky and colourful. Some of the props did look a little tired, as if they had been part of the production for the duration of the 36 years. This, along with the corny choreography added to the pantomime feel.
The show ended with a soundtrack mega mix which everybody (and I mean everybody) was on their feet singing and dancing for. The hard working cast really deserved their standing ovation.
It is easy to see why I became a firm fan of musicals after seeing Joseph as a youngster. I think that this production will definitely create a new generation of theatre goers as well as pleasing the more experienced.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat plays at Nottingham's Theatre Royal until Saturday 29 April 2017.
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