Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat UK Tour Review (Curve Theatre, Leicester)

02 July 2025 I 19:30 I Curve Theatre, Leicester

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Andrew Lloyd Webber's biblical reimagining Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is fundamentally vibrant, understanding its audience to deliver a fantastical feast for the eyes. Following the book of Genesis, Tim Rice's lyrical adventure traverses the story of Joseph, Jacob's favourite son, who is sold into slavery out of jealousy for his colourful attire. Staying faithful to original stagings, Laurence Connor's production may not break the boundaries of imagination, yet provides a safe hit for nostalgia seekers.

Colour is one of this musical's most important features, with Morgan Large's immense backdrops and Ben Cracknell's statement lighting designs harmonising to inhabit defined atmospheres. As if each scene adopts a colour from Joseph's coat, exploring segments of his histories from the desolate greys of Canaan to the glistening golds of Egypt. Intense, often singular colour choices allow each number to appear distinctive to one another.

Christina Bianco's Narrator takes this tour by storm, a pocket-rocket sizzling with compelling energy, translates through a welcoming and engrossing lead. She is unbelievably watchable, utilising her vocal expertise to dive into eccentric mutli-rolled characters. In the foreground or background, she is consistently engaged and present, nailing impressive dance sequences with marvellous confidence.

The structure of Joseph can feel formulaic at times, earlier mentioning each scene evoking its own distinct emotion and setting. Reminiscent of a talent showcase, Joann M. Hunter's choreography presents undoubtable skill, embracing many varying dance styles. Occasionally disjointed from the plot, these movement sequences may not add much substance, yet they are flawlessly striking in their own right, delivered by a diligent and enthusiastic ensemble.

Tackling the popular titular character, Adam Filipe is practically sent from the heavens as Joseph!! Providing such rich vocal textures, you will never hear the score sung with more passion. He carries a brilliant dynamic with the younger cast, who gift an incredible versatility and endearing magic to the story. Daniel Rodriguez Castillo shines through Benjamin Calypso, promising a very exciting future in the industry!

The audience clearly adore Joe McElderry, rocking the house down as the Pharaoh to revive Song Of The King with a riff-wielding theatricality. Albeit brief, appearing only in this number. The song itself can slightly outstay its welcome with multiple encores that soon begin to tire. Needless to say, we all wish we could see more of McElderry throughout the production.

Having seen this London Palladium-born tour back in 2022, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat continues to own its fabulous flamboyance! Armed with phones and vocal chords alike, audiences can expect to get involved in a near ten-minute Megamix to close the evening, celebrating the undeniably epic musical direction from Francesca Warren. With many of Webber's shows recently being revived, Joseph fails to take any conceptual risks, but it promises a familiar return to the stage for fans and newcomers alike.