How can it be that at 29 years of age, I have never seen a production of Joseph on stage or on the TV, have I had my eyes closed?
Because other than knowing ‘Any Dream Will Do’ word for word, I knew absolutely nothing about the story, until last night, when I experienced the Joseph magic for the first time and all I can say is – all my theatre dreams came true!
I was invited to the press night at the iconic Leeds Grand Theatre and from start to finish I was amazed. The set is stunning, the props truly magnificent, the whole production is magical, fabulous and over the top in all the best ways possible. With bright lights and eccentric dazzling costumes making a feast for your eyes. I was truly mesmerised.
Leading man Jac Yarrow slipped on the famous Dreamcoat like a glove. He had big shoes to fill, and with his effortless charm and strong leading man charisma, he was the absolute best fit for the part of Joseph. I say a massive role to fill considering he was sharing the big stage and bright lights with previous Joseph sensation, the brilliant Jason Donovan, now playing the Pharaoh. Jason definitely stole the show with his swinging hips, golden tones and the bright lights of all things Las Vegas.
Leading lady Linzi Hateley, who played a multitude of roles, captured the audience’s attention as the all singing all dancing narrator with that magical glint in her eye, and she most definitely kept the show running smoothly with her strong voice and stage presence. She really was a force to be reckoned with.
The element of the whole production I really enjoyed, but you had to be there to see the magic of the story through the starry eyes of the children’s choir, who also had a massive part in the production. They left the audience wanting more with wide eye wonder. The younger members of the cast were a wonderful part of the show, each with big careers forging ahead of them.
If you are looking for a bright light, heart-warming, feelgood night out, I highly recommend catching a performance of ‘Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ touring at various venues around the UK in 2022 and of course in Leeds at Leeds Grand Theatre until 23rd July.
Review by Shannon Palmer
