Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics: Tim Rice
Director: Laurence Connor
After two West End runs and a UK tour, as part of its second UK tour Laurence Connor’s production ofJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoatmakes its first appearance at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre. This hugely popular musical drew in a huge crowd made up of all ages, the youngest just as excited as the oldest.
Laurence Connor’sJosephis quite different from any we have seen before, with far more comedic elements and the Narrator multiroling as many other characters. There are also some significant departures in some of the musical arrangements and orchestrations (John Cameron, David Andrew Wilson and Sam Davis) which, when one isn’t expecting them (your reviewer had seen this version of this musical previously) can feel jarring. However, at its heart, theJosephwe all know and love is presented and you are sure to leave tapping your feet and humming Go Go Go Joseph on the bus ride home.
Morgan Large’s set design is colourful and seamlessly flows from one location to another. His costumes are equally as colourful, with a fun mix of modern and historical. Joann M. Hunter’s choreography fills every inch of the stage with energetic movement and the orchestra under the supervision and direction of John Rigby fills every inch of the auditorium with fabulous music.
Headlining the production is Joe McElderry as the Pharaoh, continuing the tradition of bring back previous Josephs as the Pharaoh. It’s fun to hear him sing material that is lower than what he’s most known for, whilst also giving his signature McElderry stamp on the material. He has a fabulous stage presence, with Song of the King being a highlight of the show.
At this performance, understudy Davide Fienauri assumed the titular role of Joseph. He delivers excellent vocals and commands the stage well. He is a charming Joseph, but sometimes his charm veers a little too far into cockiness making his Joseph difficult to root for and like.
The real star of this show is Christina Bianco as the Narrator. She is possibly the best vocalist to have played the Narrator on British soil, bringing the roof in with her rendition of A Pharaoh Story. She leads the show expertly, drawing on her skill as an impressionist to shift her accent based on the character she is playing and/or the style of the musical segment. She completely sells this comedic version of the Narrator and never feels like she is trying to fill the Sheridan Smith shaped mould. However the show is still at its strongest when Bianco can just narrate the story, whilst still very much being embedded in the action, rather than playing a multitude of random characters. That being said, she portrays Potiphar’s Wife perfectly. Bianco also works very well with the ensemble of children who are fully integrated into the show, taking on various roles throughout the production.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is one of the best feel good musicals going. Whilst this version does feature some changes, not all of them necessarily for the better, you can’t help but leave with a huge smile on your face.
Runs until 12th July 2025