Welcome Home Joe!
Bill Kenwright by special arrangement with the
Really Useful Group presents
Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
Until Sunday 31st December 2017
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Joe
McElderry returns to his native North East with a blockbuster production of
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This show is a real Christmas treat
for the region’s musical lovers.
Hang on I
hear you cry – the Arena? They have moved the stage half up the venue and the
have surrounded the venue with black curtains that have done an effective job
of absorbing the unwanted echo-effect that one might associate with the venue.
A proper stage has been built in which the props, back drops and special effects
can fly in just like a regular theatre too. In addition, the stage sticks out
into the audience, which at times gives the show an intimate gig-like feel. In
short, the show did not feel like any other I had done at the venue.
Of course,
this is Joseph which, at a normal theatre, feels like a concert rather than a
musical. This was the show that propelled Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music into the
public eye. Coupled with Tim Rice lyrics, they have taken a familiar Old Testament
Bible story and made it highly entertaining. Under director Bill Kenwright, the
show has a number of light hearted moments too. These ranged from inflatable
sheep for Joseph and his brothers to look after through to the Pharaoh (Ben
James-Ellis) appearing as the King himself – Elvis Presley.
This is the
second time that we have reviewed the show with South Shields’ Joe McElderry in
the titular role and we were very impressed. Towards the end of the second act
he showed the power and control during Close
Every Door that explains why he has become such a popular singer. He has clearly grown into the role and
confidently enjoys playing in front of his home crowd. The squeals of delight
around me were palpable as he reprised Any
Dream Will Do at the end of the show.
But this is
not a one man show and it relies on a strong ensemble to create the tale.
Narrator Trina Hill features heavily in the first act with tunes like Poor, Poor Joseph and her vocal talents
compliments McElderry’s voice well. The brothers also feature heavily at the
start and they carried the story well with a clever mix of exposition and
humour.
As already
mentioned, the second act showstopper was the King himself as the Pharaoh reveals
the nature of his dreams. Ben James-Ellis took centre stage and performed a
very credible Elvis impression.
Joseph and
the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat looks good. Designer Sean Cavanagh has come
up with a set that is able to allow the show to flow as well as hosting the
young chorus who are on stage for the bulk of the show. Nick Richings lighting
design adds a few tricks that propel the show from ordinary musical to a
special seasonal treat.
There is a
live band, who are unfortunately out of sight, though we could hear musical
director Danny Belton keeping a very tight ship. The sound was quite loud at
times – making it more of a rock concert rather than theatrical experience to my
ears.
Joseph and
the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a great ensemble show which both looks and
sounds great. Joe McElderry has become one of the region’s great entertainers and
he suits the titular role so well. Arguably Joe has become the best Joseph.
This was a great show to see in the run up to Christmas. As a lady leaving
behind me yelled “Make sure you give it 5 stars!” If only we gave star ratings!
Review by Stephen
Oliver
Website: www.kenwright.com
Tickets:
Tickets costing from £15.00 are on sale
now available online, from the booking hotline number 0844 493 6666 or in
person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office. Please note venue facility and booking fees will apply.
Tickets are available from:-
Online: Online Ticket Link for this event from our affiliate Eventim UK Tickets
Online: Online Ticket Link for this event from our affiliate Eventim UK Tickets
Credit Card Booking and Information
Line 0844 493 6666
The Metro Radio
Arena Newcastle Box Office (Mon – Fri:10.00am – 4.00pm,
Sat: 11.00am – 2.30pm)
Group Bookers should call (0191) 260
6006
Accessible Bookings should call 0844
493 6666 and select option 3 for further details
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