Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Birmingham Hippodrome - reviw
"Go go go Joseph, you know what they say!"
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Birmingham Hippodrome is colourful, magical fun.
It’s the only musical you’ll find an Egyptian Pharaoh Elvis Presley, a gang of 11 brothers belting out wild west tunes, a singing camel, and that famous coat featuring every single colour of the rainbow.
It’s described by producers as a "sparkling family musical brought to life in a colourful explosion of joy".
Written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, the show is based around the famous "coat of many colours" story of Joseph from the Bible's Book of Genesis.
But if you’re expecting a gentle, religious tale – think again.
Joseph is a burst of energy, colour and noise – with continuous songs all throughout, each more energetic than the last.
The character of Joseph himself was played by Union J star Jaymi Hensley - his first major musical role - and he was a perfect fit for the part.
The singer, who rose to fame as part of a boy band on The X Factor, had just the right amount of cheeky, boyish charm to play the loveable main character, but it was his voice that really stole the show.
His emotional rendition of Close Every Door To Me had the audience in complete silence - with an uproar of applause once it came to a close.
The entire cast were a joy to watch. Narrator Trina Hill confidently led the performance with her strong, operatic voice, and Joseph’s 11 amusing brothers kept the audience laughing and smiling with their brilliant, over-the-top dance moves and facial expressions.
As is standard in a performance of Joseph, an ensemble of children lined the edges of the stage to provide that all important choral backing music.
But it was the popular Pharaoh who was a major hit, with his rock and roll tunes, sparkling white stage suit and deep black quiff. Played by Andrew Geater, who also doubled up as one of the brothers, Asha, the Elvis-impersonator closed the show with a bang – with the audience on their feet dancing along.
Joseph is a huge amount of fun for all the family – a true, feel-good musical that will leave everyone smiling at the end.
The show runs at the Hippodrome until Saturday, July 13.
