A musical for all ages appearing in the West End and at a theatre near you. (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat UK)

Member Name: Densiegirl

Product:	Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat UK
Date:	01/04/09 (70 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fun, upbeat, feelgood show.

Disadvantages: Some repetitiveness of songs has crept in over the years.

This is a great musical for all ages and makes a fantastic introduction for children in the the world of musicals. My 2 year old cousin was taken to see it and she then proceeded to wander around the house in her nappy for the next few weeks being Joseph and singing the songs - admit it you are going to know at least two - Close Every Door and Any Dream Will Do.

As the title suggests it is a modern day version of the biblical story and is a feelgood, colourful show. It achieves this whilst still retaining the original story from the Old Testament. Amazingly Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice started to write this show in 1968 and originally it was only 15 minutes long. It now runs at just under 2 hours - my one critisim would be that some songs are repeated a little too much, perhaps to justify the ticket prices particularly in the West End where tickets can cost up to £49.50. This show does constantly tour the country also and ticket prices can be more reasonable there.

Currently playing the title role are Gareth Gates in the West End and Craig Chalmers (he was a contestant in the BBC Joseph search) in the touring version. Gareth has just taken over the role from Lee Mead who won the BBC show. My last Joseph was Lee who was excellent, but I have to say that every Joseph that I have been to see has brought something slightly different to the performance and I have enjoyed all of their performances.

We are led through the story by the narrator which helps make the story easily understood and links the scenes together. The Pharaoh bears an uncanny resemblance to a certain King of Rock and Roll and has a new song in the show King of My Heart, again I don't know if the show needed this. The show cleverly uses many styles of music - calypso, rock and roll, western, ballads and disco to name a few so there is sure to be something to suit all tastes.

If you are looking for an upbeat, fun show that will leave you with a smile in your face this is one of the best.

Summary: I defy you leave without humming at least one of the songs!