Review: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK Tour) at the Churchill Theatre Bromley

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK Tour)

Churchill Theatre Bromley

Reviewed on Tuesday 23rd September 2014

★★★

Danielle Hope as The Narrator

A colourful retelling of the biblical story about Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat does exactly what is says on the tin. It is fantastic fun, providing the perfect experience for young first time theatregoers. 

The key to Joseph's success is the brilliance of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's unforgettable score. I haven't seen the show for eighteen months but still managed to hum along to every single number (in my head).

I guarantee that those who don't know the music will come away singing at least five of the songs as each number is performed several times throughout the evening (during the final megamix it feels like the company perform the entire show again). 

Former X Factor contestant Lloyd Daniels has made his musical theatre debut in the title role and I was hugely impressed by his performance. Although Daniels is yet to perfect his accent (which leads to his pronunciation sometimes sounding peculiar), his voice fits the score nicely. His smooth vocal tone brings a modern twist to proceedings. He does his own thing, throwing in the occasional riff. It is wonderful to see someone doing something new with the role. 

Daniels dealt well with a group of ladies who found themselves overwhelmed each time he stepped foot on stage (particularly during the loincloth scenes). There was some inappropriate wolf-whistling, but Daniels stayed composed and delivered a strong performance.

Lloyd Daniels as Joseph

Danielle Hope is perfectly cast as the Narrator. The role sometimes comes across as a little patronising, but Hope does her best and graces the stage with warmth. Her voice is both beautifully delicate and commandingly powerful. The entire cast give their all, I have no idea where they find the energy to perform ten show weeks (including three shows on Saturdays). Their enthusiasm is infectious. 

Joseph may be a little tired and dated but that's all part of the fun. A lick of paint and a new costume design for the Narrator would do no harm, but I will never grow tired of watching Joseph; each time I see the show I relive my childhood. Joseph has become a tradition; many people who first saw the show when they were kids now take their children to the show and so on. It is so thrilling to see young children, parents and grandparents leaving the theatre with huge grins on their faces.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs at the Churchill Theatre Bromley until Saturday 27th September 2014. Click here for further information, tickets and full tour dates.

Photo Credit: Darren Bell

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