Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Newcastle Theatre Royal

Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber

Lyrics: Tim Rice

Director: Laurence Connor

There have been many superlatives used to describe this amazing show, ‘amazing’ being just one of them. It is a fitting description however as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal this week certainly proves.

This musical began its life way back in 1968 as a production meant only to tour schools. It was so successful that after a number of years it found itself in the West End. This was followed by numerous tours both in this country and overseas. This is one of the first musicals composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice.

It is based on a biblical story from the book of Genesis about Jacob and his sons. His favourite son is Joseph. His brothers are jealous of him and sell him into slavery. They tell his father, Jacob, that he has been killed. As the story progresses we find Joseph in prison. He is saved from further punishment by his ability to interpret dreams as he comes to the attention of Pharoah. Pharoah saves him and he becomes his favourite. What happens next? Well, a worthy visit to the theatre this week will reveal all.

The show opens with the Narrator (Christina Bianco) telling a group of children the story. The set is very simplistic but extremely effective. It remains throughout with additional scenery being added to it to create multiple scenes. The lighting effects (Craig Stevenson) are awesome with multiple spotlights cascading across the stage.

Bianco as the Narrator has a strong singing voice and an ability to carry the story through. She takes on multiple roles which is a credit to her acting skills. Bianco is a little pocket rocket bouncing from one number to the next. Joseph is skilfully played by Adam Filipe. He is charismatic and has great appeal to the audience. His rendition of Close Every Door leaves you breathless, with it being this reviewer’s favourite number of the show. There are numerous familiar songs scattered throughout the show all in differing musical styles. Many become ear worms, including Jacob and Sons, One More Angel in Heaven, and Any Dream Will Do, amongst others.

Bianco and Filipe are ably supported by a talented company including a group of young children. Their acting, dancing and singing skills are clearly seen.

The second half of the show is a sharp contrast to the first with the set becoming Pharoah’s palace. There is lots of gold and hieroglyphic backdrops. The entrance of Pharoah (Joe McElderry) brings a different dimension to the show. McElderry’s rendition of Song of the King in the style of Elvis Presley is a joy. McElderry’s vocals are faultless. He has the audience eating out of the palm of his hand, especially when this local, well loved, talented young man uses the local vernacular to hurry Joseph along to interpret his dream. ‘Howay Man’ from McElderry brings a ripple of laughter from tonight’s audience.

A mention must be made for the live orchestra, with the musical director being John Rigby. They too become a favourite with the audience especially with their pre curtain megamix of the show’s numbers encouraging the audience to clap along with the music.

This musical is a timeless and family friendly show with many catchy songs and lots of humour. There is just one tiny disappointment for this reviewer. In past shows Joseph’s amazing coat is revealed at the end and is breath taking. It is not so in this production. Many in the audience were left wondering too. Where was the amazing dreamcoat we are so used to seeing at the end? It doesn’t however spoil the overall enjoyment of the show and the smiles from the audience as they finally leave the theatre was very much in evidence. If you want to spend an evening of pure toe tapping joy with an abundance of earworms, then Joseph at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal this week is for you.

Runs until 15th June 2025