Tuesday, February 26, 2013

'Joseph' review

Malvern Festival Theatre

JOSEPH AND HIS AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT
(Bill Kenwright Ltd)

After an absence last year, Malvern Festival Theatre is again rocking to the ever-popular tunes of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This foot-tapping show still pulls in the crowds and it’s not surprising. Great songs, fantastic vocals, an amazing band, striking sets, a wealth of incredible costumes and stunning lighting make for a wonderful evenings entertainment. This is one of Lloyd Webber’s oldest shows and arguably his best. For those who have seen it before, there have been some lovely little alterations made to keep it fresh, including a brand new song.
Keith Jack, who came second in Any Dream Will Do, returns in the title role giving a truly wonderful characterisation. Lauren Ingram is a gentle Narrator and delivered this immense role with calm and sincerity. Luke Jasztal articulates Pharaoh’s ‘Elvis’ number perfectly, a feat not previously achieved by his predecessors. Henry Metcalfe also gives his best performance to date as Jacob.
The large male cast hardly get time to breathe as they play a host of characters in this Old Testament tale and give their all in an exhausting display of talent, none more so than Richard J Hunt as Judah/Baker. Marcus Ayton excites with his impressive vocals and Simon Ouldred shines for the brief time he is on. The three female dancers, despite some unbelievably fast costume changes, bring lovely elegance to the performance from the beginning right through to the end of the Joseph Megamix and several Reprises.
If you are fortunate enough to have tickets to this sold out production, you’re in for a magical, musical time. Joseph runs until Saturday but please check Malvern Theatre for the times of performances as they vary throughout the week.

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