It’s 50 years since Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s
Genesis-inspired musical first appeared as a 15 minute pop cantata, and in its
full-length form it still manages to be one of the duo’s most enduringly
popular works.
Bill Kenwright’s celebrated touring production is on the
rounds again and is playing two and three shows a day this week at St Helens
Theatre Royal. Headlining the publicity for the tour is former Union J star
Jaymi Hensley in the title role, but on press night the part was taken by the
company’s alternate Joseph, Tom Bainbridge. When a big touring show has such a
gruelling schedule it is normal practice for there to be alternates
understudying the leads and appearing routinely in some scheduled performances,
but Bainbridge has been thrust into the limelight more often than he might have
expected. He stepped into the lead for the full week at the show’s previous
port of call in Billingham since Mr Hensley was involved in a car accident.
Luckily Hensley is back in action again, but don’t be surprised if you find
last minute cast changes announced.
Audiences should in no way feel disappointed by the
substitution however. On the contrary, as Mr Bainbridge has real star quality
and owns the part splendidly well. An alumnus of London’s Arts Educational
School, he has a belting voice and sparkling stage presence, which he makes
clear from his opening number Any Dream Will Do through to the show stopping
Close Every Door at the climax of Act I.
Another blinder of a performance is an impressively assured
professional stage debut from Alexandra Doar, who takes on the meaty role of
Narrator. With the show sung-through this gives her a good deal of big numbers
to deliver and she absolutely holds the stage throughout.
The entire ensemble hold together well and there are some
other stand-out turns, especially Andrew Geater’s Pharaoh (effectively the show’s
second lead part) and Alex Hetherington’s Benjamin.
The show is compactly written and this production keeps it
motoring along at a pace, never letting the energy lag for a moment. The stage
set is filled with light and colour and is packed to the rafters with people.
The show has a pair of junior choruses alternating performances, beautifully trained
by Performers Theatre School.
Whether this is an old favourite or you’re a Joseph virgin,
this production is sure to delight, and it’s a feel-good night out to really lift
the spirits.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at St Helens
Theatre Royal until 23rd November and then continues touring from 18th December
at Doncaster, with further dates booking up to February 2020.
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| The Cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Image (c) Pamela Raith |
Star Rating: Four Stars
This review was originally written for publication by Good News Liverpool
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