Review: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK Tour) at the Milton Keynes Theatre

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK Tour)

Milton Keynes Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 28th June 2016

★★★

No childhood is complete without a theatre trip to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's colourful retelling of the biblical story about Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours is irresistibly charming, I'm always surprised when I watch the show and realise I know every single word to every single song. It's the perfect musical for young, first time theatregoers.

Full casting confirmed for Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat

Full casting has been confirmed for the upcoming UK tour of Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Opening at the Broadway Theatre in Peterborough on 26th January 2016, the cast will be led by the previously announced Joe McElderry as Joseph alongside Lucy Kay as the Narrator.

Completing the cast are: Henry Metcalfe as Jacob/Potiphar, Emilianos Stamatakis as Pharaoh, Tilly Ford as Mrs Potiphar/Handmaiden, Benjamin Beechey as Reuben, Will Breckin (pictured) as Simeon, Tom Hier as Levi, Lewis Asquith as Naphali/Butler, Sackie Osakonor as Isacchar/ Calypso Singer, Michael Lapham as Asher, Boris Alexander as Dan/Baker, Jamie Jukes as Zebulun, Anthony Ray as Gad and George Knapper as Benjamin plus Samantha Noel and Gemma Pipe as Handmaiden.

Big Interview: Joe McElderry

Joe McElderry is currently preparing to star as the title character in the UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat which recommences at the Broadway Theatre in Peterborough on 26th January 2016.

Joseph marks Joe’s first major role in a long running musical. In 2012 he played the title character in The Who's Tommy for a one-off West End gala and reprised his performance last year for a limited run at the Blackpool Opera House. 

Joe previously recorded a duet with Kerry Ellis, the first lady of the West End, for her self-titled album and joined her for the London date of her UK tour, as well as making appearances in various theatrical concerts and events. This Christmas he starred as the Man in the Mirror in Hull’s panto, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. 

Mentored by Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Joe won The X Factor aged 18 in 2009. His version of Miley Cyrus’s 'The Climb' topped the singles charts whilst his debut album Wide Awake reached number 3 on the UK Albums Chart.

He has since gone on to have two more top ten albums and become the first X Factor winner to release four albums, with a fifth in the making. Joe is the first and only celebrity to have won three reality TV shows. He was crowned the winner of the second series of ITV’s Popstar to Operastar before strapping on his skis and winning Channel 4’s celebrity ski competition The Jump in 2014.

I recently spoke to Joe about joining Joseph, the differences between the theatre world and music industry, his loyal fanbase and being named the ultimate X Factor winner…

Joseph is one of those shows which is passed down the generations. Did you see it when you were growing up?

I saw it once and my junior school did it when I was a kid, but I was never in it. I think that’s the beauty of it – it’s a lovely family show. Everybody loves it! It’s been so nice for me because when people have been coming up to me in the street recently or speaking to me backstage at shows everybody’s been excited, there’s a real buzz about it… weirdly more so than anything I’ve done before! Even friends who don’t usually comment much on my career and tend to play it cool have been like “I’m so excited to see you in Joseph!” Everybody has such an attachment with the show.

Lucy Kay to star alongside Joe McElderry in Joseph UK tour

It has been announced that Lucy Kay will star as the Narrator in the upcoming UK tour of Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat.

The former Britain's Got Talent finalist will star alongside the previously announced X Factor winner Joe McElderry who is taking on the title role. Further casting is to be announced.

Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat opens at The Broadway Theatre in Peterborough on 26th January 2016.

X Factor's Amelia Lily replaces Marcus Collins as the Narrator in Joseph Tour

It has been announced that X Factor's Amelia Lily will make her musical theatre debut as the Narrator in the 2015 UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat  from 17th February 2015.

Lily replaces X Factor's Marcus Collins who withdrew from the show last week. She joins X Factor's Lloyd Daniels who plays Joseph alongside former EastEnders actor Matt Lapinskas as Pharoah.

Lily reached The X Factor finals in 2011. She released the hit single 'You Bring Me Joy' and supported Girls Aloud on tour. She made a brief appearance in Shrek The Musical for Children in Need.

Marcus Collins pulls out of Joseph Tour

Marcus Collins has pulled out of the 2015 UK Tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The former X Factor finalist was due to star as the Narrator from 3rd February. The production will continue to star Lloyd Daniels as Joseph and Matthew Lapinskas as Pharaoh.

A statement from Bill Kenwright's team reads: "We have been advised by his agent that Marcus Collins has withdrawn from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Marcus was contracted to appear from 3rd February up to 6th June 2015, but he did not show up for rehearsals and then subsequently withdrew altogether. Without ever performing. No reason has been given by Marcus or his management. As this is an ongoing matter, no further comment is available at this time."

When questioned about performing ten shows a week during a recent interview with West End Frame, Collins said: "We’re going to have to have a little look at that and see how we can make it the best for everyone. It’s a very gruelling schedule and a very full on show. I’ve got a lot to do and it’s a very big sing, it’s going to be an interesting one but we’ll deal with that when we come to it."

Interview: Marcus Collins

Marcus Collins is currently preparing to star as the Narrator in Bill Kenwright’s touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He joins a cast including X Factor’s Lloyd Daniels as Joseph and former EastEnders actor Matthew Lapinskas as Pharaoh.

Mentored by Gary Barlow, Marcus finished second place in the 2011 series of The X Factor which was won by Little Mix. He went on to release his self-titled debut album and top ten hit ‘Seven Nation Army’. 

Marcus recently starred as Seaweed Stubbs in the UK Tour of Hairspray and appeared in the world tour of The West End Men, whilst continuing to work on his own music and make extensive concert appearances. 

I recently spoke to Marcus about what attracted him to his latest stage role, his obsession with Wicked and his dream of starring in Kinky Boots… 

So I believe this isn’t the first time you’ve starred in a production of Joseph – didn’t you play Pharaoh when you were at school?

[laughs] Yes! I played the Pharaoh, it was my first role actually in any musical! I couldn’t help myself, it just seemed like a great role, a great show and something I felt I could show off and have a bit of fun with. I started at fourteen!

Marcus Collins stars as the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

It has been announced that Marcus Collins will join the touring cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from 4th February 2015 as the Narrator. 

Collins takes over from Danielle Hope who has left Joseph to star as Maria in next year's The Sound of Music UK Tour. He joins Lloyd Daniels as Joseph and Matthew Lapinskas as Pharaoh.

Big Interview: Perry O'Dea

Perry O'Dea is currently understudying Pharoah in the UK Tour of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Back in October 2012, Perry was one of West End Frame’s first ever interviewees whilst still in training at Arts Ed. He went on to make his professional debut in Evita (UK Tour) before understudying Mickey in Blood Brothers (UK Tour). 

This Christmas Perry will return home to the Isle of Man to play The Cauldron in Puss In Boots (Royal Hall) and next year he will go back on the road with the new touring production of Oklahoma.

I recently caught up with Perry to discuss how he survives a ten show week in Joseph, why playing Mickey in Blood Brothers was a dream come true and what inspired him to get into musical theatre…

How is life in Joseph?

It’s fun! I’m loving it! I’ve never been part of a cast who have bonded so much. You become like a weird family because you spend so much time together. Usually you’re at the theatre from six until ten, but we’re with each other from half twelve to ten every day because of our performance schedule (Joseph has matinees on Wednesdays-Fridays and plays three shows on Saturdays). You get really close to everyone; it is like a dysfunctional family [laughs]. I have enjoyed it… but I am very tired!

What is your secret to surviving a ten show week?

Well I don’t know how I’ve done it [laughs]! You’ve got to be able to pick each other up and you’ve got to be a really good company member – have a laugh and have fun. Obviously, like with any show, you’re trying to tell a story… even though it’s a slightly wacky story [laughs]. We always have fun and try new things. 

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. 

Sneak peek at... Lloyd Daniels, Matt Lapinskas & Danielle Hope in Joseph UK Tour

Later this month, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat resumes its UK Tour with a new cast including Lloyd Daniels, Matt Lapinskas and Danielle Hope. Take a sneak peek at the first pictures of the trio in costume below (click on image to enlarge).

Bill Kenwright’s production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s family musical has now sold an estimated 15 million tickets. The new tour opens at the Theatre Royal Windsor on Wednesday 23rd July 2014 before visiting: Southend, Dublin, Truro, Woking, Reading, Stoke, Bromley, Cork, Carlisle, Liverpool, Manchester, Norwick, Tunbridge Wells, Mold, Darlington and High Wycombe.

Lloyd Daniels, Danielle Hope & Matthew Lapinskas to star in Joseph UK Tour

Former X Factor contestant Lloyd Daniels and Over The Rainbow winner Danielle Hope will star in  Bill Kenwright's touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as Joseph and the Narrator. They will perform opposite ex-EastEnders actor Matthew Lapinskas as Pharaoh.

Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including 'Any Dream Will Do', 'Close Every Door' and 'One More Angel'.

The tour resumes performances with its new cast on 21st July at the Theatre Royal Windsor before visiting: Southend, Dublin, Truro, Woking, Reading, Stoke, Bromley, Cork, Carlisle, Liverpool, Manchester, Norwick, Tunbridge Wells, Mold, Darlington and High Wycombe.

Review: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK Tour) at the New Wimbledon Theatre

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK Tour) 

New Wimbledon Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 29th October 2013

One of Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice’s most famous collaborations, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat could not be more different from their other biblical musical. A curious mix of upbeat (albeit random) songs in the style of a calypso, country and western... and (strangely) Elvis, this is a production where cultures collide and the past and future meet.

Interview: Keith Jack, currently playing Joseph in the UK Tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Keith Jack first appeared on our TV screens back in 2007 when he was the runner up in the BBC's Any Dream Will Do which was watched by over 10 million people. After the show, Keith was asked to join the touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat which has travelled the length and breadth of the UK. New and exciting projects followed thick and fast including numerous TV and radio appearances, albums, tours, pantomime and even his own stage school. 

Earlier this week I caught up with Keith to talk about starring in Joseph, his dream roles and favourite West End Shows... 

You are currently playing the title role in the UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, are you enjoying it? 

I am absolutely loving it! I'm really pleased with the way it all worked out. I think Lee (Mead) was always going to win Any Dream Will Do. I'm really happy that I had the opportunity to have that gap between coming second and taking on the role. 

Why do you think that after all these years the show is still so popular? 

Joseph is completely timeless and it has almost become a tradition for school children to go and see the show as well as parents who saw it when they were a child, taking their children to see it. It’s such a great family show.