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Adam Filipe as Joseph in jail and his spine tingling Close Every Door. Pictures: Tristram Kenton Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat Birmingham Hippodrome ***** Joseph might have started as a school play but he has really come of age in this sparkling revival to bring his Old Testament tale from the book of Genesis slap bang up to date for audiences in the 21st century. It’s slick, clever and modern and yet it still manages to keep some of the winning charm of the original full-blown production that was such a hit 51 years ago – and even has Matt Slack, of which more later. The age-old tale is simple. Joseph, is Jacob’s 11th of 12 sons, the youngest being Benjamin, and he is the favourite, which goes down really well with the other 11, so much so that they flog him into slavery in Egypt where, after a few problems, like jail for example, he becomes the Pharaoh’s favourite - bit of a trend here perhaps - and is made head honcho. He saves Egypt from famine, feeds and forgives his brothers and everyone lives happily ever after. This hit London Palladium production revitalises the musical with modern innovations such as expanding the role of the Narrator from being a sort of Greek chorus to become a participant with the delightful, multi-talented American star, Christina Bianco, taking on multiple roles, including Jacob and the seductive Mrs. Potiphar, adding variety to the production – and what a voice she packs with her superb impressionist’s gift to change it for every character.
The wonderful Christina Bianco as Narrator She was simply superb and absolutely mesmerising when we saw her as Laura in the tour of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice a couple of years ago. Look her up on YouTube for some brilliant vocal magic. And when it comes to voices Adam Filipe as Joseph is right up there and his wonderful performance of the despairing Close Every Door to Me was a spine-tingling showstopper. He has bags of charm, stage presence you just can’t teach and is a musical theatre star in the making. And let’s not forget the brothers in all of this with Hugh Cotton’s Reuben giving us the hoedown version of One More Angel in Heaven, as Jacob is told the sold off Joseph has been killed in a fight with . . . a goat . . . don’t ask. While Will Haswell’s Simeon comes to the fore in a Gallic version, mes amis, of Those Canaan Days as the starving brothers long for the well fed past, which brings in the CanCan – it is just so easy to mix Canaan with Offenbach’s little dance number . . . The Narrator adds to the French flavour - and what a Little Sparrow she would make if anyone is thinking of reviving Piaf.
Joseph and Matt Slack as the Pharaoh Then there is the Pharaoh. The tour opened with a blast from the past with Jason Donovan, Joseph some 34 years ago, taking the role in Southampton, and Joe McElderry, Joseph 10 years ago, takes on the role for the rest of the tour, except for Birmingham where fan’s favourite Matt Slack takes on the role. There was a palpable shiver of anticipation when he first appeared, and, with his usual total disregard for the fourth wall, Slack did not let them down, playing to what was undoubtedly his audience, so much so you almost expected Andrew Ryan in a dame’s panto themed pyramid dress to appear as Pharaoh’s mum. They are both set for Robin Hood at the Hippodrome in December incidentally. To have a Pharaoh as an Elvis impersonator hardly makes it a serious role and Slack revelled in it, adding audience participation to the mix for good measure; Joseph purists might have raised an eyebrow or two, but the Hippodrome audience lapped it up, they just adore their very own clown prince of Brum. The production has given the children more to do, with rotating members of the 30 strong youngsters taking on some of the roles and always being part of the action, while director Laurence Connor with Broadway star turned Broadway star choreographer JoAnn M. Hunter have incorporated modern dance styles with jazzy numbers, a nostalgic Golden age of musicals tap number, cheerleaders . . . whatever, with always innovative and interesting dance numbers. The show is given pace using a more modern and flexible staging using Ben Cracknell’s technically superb lighting and a simple, oh so effective set from Morgan Large using lights, giant sheets from the flies, and even some ancient Egyptian Uber camels to set scenes. Yet for all that it keeps the spirit and staging of the original, adding a freshness to the story and a reworking of some of the musical numbers. Not too much reworking mind – Any Dream Will Do is still a guaranteed earworm for at least the rest of the week. The 10 piece orchestra, under conductor and musical director John Rigby, is huge for a touring production, and it shows with a full bodied, rounded sound which brought the overture and entr’acte to sparkling life. All in all the result is the new, up to date, revised model of an old friend, giving it new life for its fans and a slick, sparkling, modern show for a new generation of theatregoers. Any dream will do to 01-06-25. Roger Clarke 22-05-25 And a view from Gen Z ***** This updated production of Joseph was a very enjoyable watch with fun music, interesting story and a perfect mix of comedy and serious plot points. Some stand outs for me were Matt Slack as the Pharaoh for his hilarious lines and delivery and Will Haswell as Simeon for his excellent solo number, Those Canaan Days, while Adam Filipe produced an amazing performance in the titular role of Joseph. Christina Bianco brought it together really well with her excellent narration, singing and multiple roles while the costumes and scenery were on point and slotted in really well with the story Overall I would recommend for anyone of any age looking for a fun, interesting and entertaining theatre trip. Hallam Clarke 22-05-25 |
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