FOR anyone who hasn't seen a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat before, I'll admit the synopsis - "based on the Bible's book of Genesis" – doesn't sound, on paper, like the premise for the most entertaining show.
But the description really is something of a mis-service. Written in 1968, it has since been performed in more than 86 countries – and Bournemouth and Boscombe Light Opera Company's (BBLOC) presentation shows exactly why this musical has become a much-loved, family classic.
Featuring lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, it includes pop and musical theatre hits known around the world such as Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door and Go, Go, Go Joseph.
An entirely sung show may not be everyone's cup of tea, but Joseph starts as it means to go on – it's full on from the word go and the cast barely take a breath, or stand still until the curtain falls.Each upbeat number is feast for the senses – a riot of colour and activity.
The vocal performances are hugely impressive for an amateur company. Matt Stockham as Joseph and Rosalind Lawton and Amy Cave as the narrators were equally fantastic, while Lea Martin made for an entertaining Pharoah.
Solid dance routines from the entire cast, and lovely harmonies from the children's choir, brilliantly accompanied by a live orchestra.
Okay, it's a little random in places – why is Pharoah an Elvis impersonator? And why is Those Canaan Days sung in a French accent? But this is musical theatreland, after all, and anything goes.
A slick, energetic production, pure family fun from start to finish – highly entertaining.
Joseph is at Bournemouth's Pavilion Theatre until Saturday, October 7.
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