Reviews

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a vibrant, fast-paced musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice that retells the famous biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colours. Joseph, his father’s favourite son, is blessed with prophetic dreams — but his eleven jealous brothers sell him into slavery and convince their father he’s dead. Through a mix of luck, faith, and a knack for dream interpretation, Joseph rises from prisoner to Pharaoh’s right-hand man, eventually forgiving his brothers and reuniting his family. Packed with catchy songs in a mix of musical styles — from rock and pop to country and calypso — Joseph is a joyful celebration of resilience, forgiveness, and the power of dreams. Having had the pleasure of watching Stamps’ last production, Our House, I was delighted to be asked back to review Joseph. If it was anything like the last show, I knew I was in for a treat — and it was. In fact, it may have even been better. From the very start, there were lots of people on stage, all busy with their roles — acting, singing, and dancing. Unfortunately, I can’t name everyone, but let me say this: it was a true team effort. Whether a principal or part of the children’s ensemble, everyone knew their role and contributed to making the show what it was — super entertainment. Congratulations to all involved! The set was functional yet effective, giving Stamps two areas to work in: an upper and main stage, with the upper area accessed via neat, unobtrusive stairs. A little bit of drama speak here — the lit cyclorama at the back of the raised area created frequent and expertly used tableaux. Those little freeze-framed stories brought the scenes to life — think of the opening scene or moments when the cyc changed colour in time with the music. This, along with the overall stage direction, was excellent — never an easy feat with so many actors on stage at once. Robert Bateman, as director and choreographer (and more on him later!), should take a bow. Also, credit to Phil Ypres-Smith, the musical director, whose band played flawlessly — I would have loved to give them a round of applause at the end, but they were hidden from view. Principal Actors Dylan Norris – who I nominated last year as the best leading male in our Bfame festival. Dylan lost out by the tiniest of margins (literally one point) to the eventual winner. So this year, did Dylan disappoint? Not a chance. If anything he raised his game. His strong vocals, charm, and emotional range carried some of the show’s most memorable songs, including “Close Every Door” and “Any Dream Will Do”. Dylan transformed convincingly from a naive, boastful youth into a wise and compassionate leader, bringing the audience along for the ride and fully embodying the show’s themes of hope, faith, and reconciliation. Alice Bennett as the Narrator gave a stunning first performance for Stamps. The Narrator is the heart of the show, guiding the audience through Joseph’s journey while covering a wide vocal range and shifting between styles from pop to country to rock ‘n’ roll. Alice was warm, expressive, full of charisma, and brought clarity and energy to every scene — a huge thank you to her (and her neighbours!) for such a fantastic role. The Boys Anthony Tonks gave a touching portrayal of Jacob, balancing authority and warmth with emotional depth in his scenes with Joseph. Michael Smith was confident and engaging as both Potiphar and Dan, capturing Potiphar’s mix of power and comic exasperation. Chris Westwood as Gad showed strong stage presence and excellent vocals. Paul Wozniak was a delight as Simeon and the Baker, bringing wonderful comic timing — his reactions during “Go, Go, Go Joseph” were a highlight. Cameron Kyffin (Zebulun) delivered “Benjamin Calypso” with infectious rhythm and charm and Kieran Scott (Naphtali) impressed with lively, committed performance, both adding harmony and personality to the brothers’ scenes. Callum Byrne shone as Judah with Devlin Young (Asher) and Jack Chatten (Benjamin) added warmth and enthusiasm, lifting every group number. Finally, Kyle Lough brought great energy and confidence to the role of Issachar. Together, they formed a joyful, vibrant ensemble that made every number sparkle. The Girls The ensemble brought wonderful energy, style, and cohesion, giving every scene colour and movement. Miya Mitchell smoldered as Mrs. Potiphar, perfectly balancing glamour and humour. Bethany Wyde and Leanne Plews impressed as dancers, adding precision and flair, while Georgia Harley, Lynne Davis, Olivia Pugh, Paige Yeomans, and Sophie Ranson helped create a vibrant, engaging ensemble. Together, they gave the production a real sense of unity and fun, supporting the story beautifully. The Children’s Ensemble were an absolute delight, dancing with energy, confidence, and infectious enthusiasm. Never afraid to take centre stage, they brought joy and vibrancy to every number, lighting up the stage with their smiles, precise choreography, and sheer commitment. Special Mention — Pharaoh Eagle-eyed readers might have noticed one key character hadn’t been mentioned yet. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Robert Bateman stepped in as Pharaoh — and, as director, he truly wore two hats. He was certainly in the building for his Elvis-inspired Pharaoh, a definite crowd-pleaser, full of charm, humour, and energy from the very first note. Robert’s hip rotation leaving a lasting impression on the audience! Final Words This production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was a delight. Every performer — principals, ensemble, and children — contributed to a seamless, vibrant, and joyful show. Congratulations to all involved — it was full of heart and a production to remember. Now, where’s my coat?