This biblical tale of family and forgiveness will have you on your feet.
You know the story: Joseph is loved by his father and despised by his brothers for being the favourite. When he is given the gift of a coat cementing his position as future leader of the family, his brothers are overcome with jealousy. They sell him into slavery for a bag of silver and convince their father he’s dead.
All hope seems lost until Joseph’s knack for deciphering dreams earns him an audience with The King and a chance to save everyone (yes, even his despicable brothers) from famine.
The now long-running stage show takes the tale from the book of Genesis and tells it with heart and humour, using music inspired by pop and country. There’s even a rousing French ballad.
In this latest touring production, Christina Bianco, Adam Filipe and X-Factor’s Joe McElderry, are the dream team bringing the joy of Joseph to Nottingham’s Theatre Royal until February 15th.
The brilliant Bianco is on sparkling form as narrator. Filipe’s Joseph is charming and vulnerable, McElderry brings all the star quality fans could want from their Pharoah, and the energy of the ensemble is electric.
Those Canaan Days, led skilfully by brother Simeon (and featuring a surprise appearance from some can-can girls) is a masterclass in musical comedy and the act two gift that just keeps on giving.
Way way back many centuries ago, I saw Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in the West End. I was 11 and Neighbours star Jason Donovan was in the lead role, breathing new life into the bible story that launched the career of Andrew Lloyd Webber.
So, what a treat to introduce Joseph and his 11 brothers to my 11 and 12-year-olds and to be reminded that the music built around the bible’s most colourful comeback kid is still every bit as joyous as it was in 1991!
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat plays at Nottingham's Theatre Royal until Saturday 8 February 2025.
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