Since 1968 the story of Joseph and his dazzling coat of many colours has been performed at every school and theatre (most probably). Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical returns to Wolverhampton this week and most definitely proved as popular as ever.
Many famous faces have donned the dreamcoat including Jason Donovan, Phillip Schofield, Donny Osmond, Ian 'H' Watkins, Gareth Gates and of course winner of the BBC talent series Any Dream Will Do - Lee Mead. For this touring production runner up from the series Keith Jack who has already starred as the narrator leads the show as Jacob's favourite son Joseph.
Even with the lengthy overture and everlasting 'megamix' finale, Joseph isn't a very long show - but it is packed with catchy songs and exciting dance routines presented expertly by a fantastic cast. Guiding us through the story with a series of fiendishly high-pitched songs is Lauren Ingram as the narrator. A recent graduate of Laine Theatre Arts and already in a lead role, as she often sings in the show Lauren 'will become a star', and she's a very bright one already - coping effortlessly with an impressive vocal range and an incredibly charming on stage presence.
There's no mistaking that each member of the male ensemble are completely on top of their game, all of whom are worthy of mention: Joseph's eleven brothers are made up of Marcus Ayton (Dan), Andrew Bateup (Levi), Kristopher Bosch (Zebulun), Jonathan David Dudley (Asher), Callum Fitzgerald (Napthali), Lee Greenaway (Issacher), Richard J Hunt (Judah), Drew Mason (Simeon), Benjamin Pomeroy (Benjamin), Michael Ward (Gad) and Luke Jasztal (Reuben) who also impresses as the Pharaoh bringing the theatre to rapturous applause numerous times after each rendition of his song.
The female handmaidens Jennie Abbotts, Danielle Acors and Meg Astin all prove to be excellent dancers and provide pleasant harmonies throughout. Theatre veteran Henry Metcalfe is a pure delight as Jacob and Potiphar.
Keith Jack is a superb lead, and having had a few years to settle into the role and make it his own he is able to present a strong and loveable Joseph. His much anticipated Close Every Door To Me doesn't disappoint and it is here where amongst all the fun we've been having we see the emotional and vulnerable side to Keith's Joseph.
Me as an honorary brother and with Keith Jack, Jonathan David Dudley and Lee Greenaway.
With Keith starring this week, the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is the popular choice for contestants of Any Dream Will Do. Having just had Ben James-Ellis in pantomime, the theatre looks forward to welcoming Daniel Boys who will be appearing in High Society in March.
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat plays the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Saturday 16th February and tickets can be booked here.
i have seen the show it was amazing i would love to go again plus i love keith jack
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