Rachel and Thomas Howells visit Cardiff’s New Theatre to see the current version of Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice’s ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’
With so many musicals touring now, it’s easy for many of us to feel a glimmer of nostalgia as Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice’s ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ returns to Cardiff’s New Theatre this week.
However on seeing the show at Cardiff’s New Theatre we were excited that there’s a fresh new look for an old favourite.
Alexandra Burke plays the narrator giving a unique portrayal for her character, as she portrays several smaller characters at the same time, (including Jacob), and creates something incredibly special with it. A very dynamic dance, Miss Burke leads many of the numbers, utilising hand gestures and sudden movements especially when listing items in her dialogue, which I found incredibly captivating.
A scene from Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 
A scene from Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 
A scene from Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 
A scene from Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 
A scene from Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 
A scene from Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Jac Yarrow shines as Joseph and commands the stage in bringing together all the different elements to his character. Jac’s performance of Close Every Door brought the show to stop due to the lengthy appreciation of the audience applause. I really enjoyed the way he brought the different elements of Joseph s character to life.
Bobby Windebank gives a hi-octane performance of Pharoah delivering the right level of Elvis swagger to his performance.
With so many of the characters played by the narrator and children, it didn’t detract from the enjoyment of the show. The participating children help gave the musical a wholesome feel and it was a delight to see a tiny Imperious Potiphar and others donning false beards to transform them into several characters. Undoubtedly these are all a wonderful throwback to a throwback to the musical’s origins.
The set while simple also felt elaborate compared with the last few tours on the musical. The set constantly changes throughout the first act, while in the second two giant golden statues (that occasionally sing) dominate the proceedings. Lighting utilises many colours to imply movement, passage of time or different locations, while the background adds realism with a sun that moves.
A final mention for the phenomenal band who bringing a real rock concert vibe to proceedings and undoubtedly helped bring Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat so vibrantly alive into the post-pandemic world of musical theatre.
- Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat continues at Cardiff’s New Theatre until Saturday May 7. Visit the New Theatre website for ticket details.