Infectiously energetic and one you definitely don’t want to miss!
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is back at the Opera House Manchester, and it is nothing short of a masterclass in entertainment.
It is a sung through musical but at no point does it feel clunky, boring, or leave you hoping for a break in the songs like you get with some musicals. This is partly due to the cleverness of the writing and the wit of Tim Rice’s lyrics, which somehow manages to cater successfully to the wide variety of ages in the audience. It’s also thanks to the show’s eclectic mix of musical styles and references: from country and western to French chanson, and of course, the Elvis-inspired Pharaoh, played brilliantly by The X Factor winner Joe McElderry.
The performances were phenomenal throughout, with Adam Filipe’s portrayal of Joseph standing out as both beautifully vulnerable and blisteringly strong. His captivating presence was especially moving in the more parred down, emotionally intense performance of Close Every Door, which proved to be an audience favourite. The child actors were also incredible, never missing a beat and demonstrating vocal strength and comedic ability you’d expect from much more experienced performers.
However, the standout performance came from Christina Bianco as the Narrator and various other roles. She seized every opportunity to showcase her remarkable range, enchanting the audience with her charisma and talent as she guided us through the musical’s lively retelling of Joseph’s story in the Old Testament. Her energy was astounding, singing and dancing in almost every number whilst taking on multiple roles, including the hilariously exaggerated portrayal of Joseph’s father, which had the audience in stitches every time she hunched over and donned her fake beard.
It is also important to highlight the stellar work of Craig Stevenson (Head of Lighting) and Tom Darlington (Head of Wardrobe) in creating the beautiful and colourful world that enhanced the performances without ever distracting from the storytelling. The lighting was perfectly timed to the beats of the performance, casting pulses of light and twinkling stars across the audience which invited and transported us into their magnificent world. The costumes were equally impressive, navigating the musical’s wide-ranging references with ease — from the opulence of Egypt to the impoverished, famine- stricken land of Canaan.
Overall, this show is incredibly heartwarming, entertaining, and an absolute joy from start to finish. From the inventive props and stunning wardrobe to the all-singing, all-dancing musical numbers, everything was infused with a sense of over-the-top magic. By the time the megamix rolled around, the entire audience was on their feet, singing and dancing along, a true testament to the show’s enduring charm and brilliance.