Almost 50 years after its first ever performance, and with X Factor winner Joe McElderry now wearing the infamous loincloth, Joseph still does exactly what it has always done. It gives the audience, old and new, a show full of catchy songs with a solid but simple storyline. For the first time theatregoer it provides a fantastic introduction to the world of theatre and, for the seasoned audience member, seeing it again just feels like meeting a beloved old friend.
Despite reaching the ripe old age of 25, McElderry has a brilliant combination of the boyish charm he needs in act one together with the more masterly persona required later in the performance. He is perfectly comfortable with both the comedic and emotional sides of his character. In addition, his voice is clear and powerful and, throughout the show, it is very obvious that he loves playing the role. He is also supported by a tremendous company, filled with young and enthusiastic talent.
Britain’s Got Talent runner up Lucy Kay takes on the role of the narrator and opens the show with a tender and heartfelt prologue which starts the journey back to biblical days. The Joseph set is the usual dual staircase one which looms large over the, otherwise empty, stage. On it sit the Joseph choir, from the The Theatre Workshop, who then provide the backing vocals for the brilliant, Any Dream Will Do.
The enthusiasm with which the brothers introduce themselves is carried on all the way through to the finale. Despite the breakneck pace of the show, the amazingly quick costume changes that are required and the hugely energetic Joseph megamix ending, they never seem to tire.
Another wonderful thing about this show is the way that so many musical styles are used and it’s great to see that the lead vocals are shared by so many of the cast. Particular mention should go to Darren Charles who sings a superb Benjamin Calypso and who, together with Amana Jones, rocks the house with the gospel version of Go,Go,Go Joseph.
Pharaoh (Ben James-Ellis), still appears in his Elvis Presley jumpsuit, but the inability to fly the scenery at the White Rock Theatre does mean that his entrance is flatter than it should be. Surrounded by his adoring fans, Pharoah gets the whole audience clapping along while he recounts the tales of his bizarre dreams, with enough time and energy to go through it all – “Just one more time”. He also powers his way through the newest song in the piece, King of My Heart.
This is not a show that will change the world, well, not completely. What it does do is take people, who may have had a hard day, and it makes them smile. It makes tired feet tap along to the superb music and it ensures that, whatever troubles are outside the theatre doors, they stay outside. This show is feel-good with a capital F and, I am certain, it will still be running fifty years from now!
**** 4 stars
