Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH

A dazzling show of many colours! An uplifting revival of a classic favourite!

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is one of those musicals where you more or less know what you’re in for: vibrant songs, strong vocals, a playful storyline and plenty of fun. But this latest production goes far beyond expectations, it’s without a doubt the best version I’ve seen. Rather than feeling like a rehash of a familiar favourite, it brought fresh energy and a sense of surprise that made the entire evening feel new again.

It is quite well known that Joseph began its life as a musical written for primary school shows and therefore has often included local children as a choir perched at the side of the stage in past touring productions. Here however, the young performers are fully integrated into the show from start to finish. They open the production seated around a glowing campfire on colour-changing boxes, as the Narrator begins telling the story. What follows is a wonderfully imaginative approach, the children take on a variety of roles, from Joseph’s brothers to Potiphar, the Butler, the Baker, and even a sheep! This choice not only nods to the musical’s school-play origins but also injects a delightful sense of whimsy and clever theatricality. Seeing a 10 year old child don a thick black beard as one of the brothers was both endearing and genuinely funny. More importantly, these young performers were not just gimmicks, they were immensely talented and handled their parts with remarkable skill and charm.

Visually, the production is a feast. The set opens with a blazing orange sun, sweeping sand dunes, and starry skies that twinkle in sync with the colours of Joseph’s iconic coat. It's a simple yet striking design. Unfortunately, the magic was briefly interrupted during the opening number when a piece of fabric failed to rise correctly, prompting a crew member dressed in black to walk onstage mid-song and fix it. While mistakes happen, it did momentarily shatter the illusion. A cast member handling it in character might have preserved the atmosphere more effectively.

Adam Filipe leads the cast in the title role and delivers an outstanding performance. Although new to me, he left a lasting impression. Filipe’s Joseph is charming, sincere, and vocally exceptional. His rendition of “Close Every Door” was spine-tingling, powerful, and emotionally resonant. It was slightly puzzling, though, that Filipe wasn’t given the final bow. That honour went to the Narrator, which felt like a directorial choice favouring celebrity appeal over narrative logic. In a show titled Joseph, it’s only fair the titular character gets the final spotlight in my opinion.

Christina Bianco, as the Narrator, brought the house down with her commanding stage presence and signature vocal versatility. Known for her vocal impressions, she wove them cleverly into the performance, most notably during “Canaan Days,” where she channelled Edith Piaf with uncanny accuracy. Bianco also took on multiple roles throughout the show, from Jacob to Potiphar’s wife, shifting seamlessly between them with distinct voices and physicality. Her ability to fill the vast auditorium with such a powerful voice, despite her petite frame, was nothing short of magical.

Act 2 introduces Joe McElderry of X Factor fame as the Pharaoh and from the moment he steps on stage, he exudes charisma and comic flair. McElderry’s voice remains superb and he brings an infectious joy to the role that lights up the audience. It’s a pity his stage time is limited to the second act; it would have been fun to see him pop up in some of the earlier ensemble cameos too.

The ensemble overall deserves high praise. Joann M. Hunter’s choreography is dynamic, demanding, and exciting, with big dance breaks, sharp tap numbers, and joyful energy throughout. Every cast member gives their all and their collective effort drives the momentum of the show.

In all, this production is a triumph, lively, imaginative and joyously feel-good. It breathes new life into a beloved classic while keeping its playful spirit intact. Watching an entire theatre rise to its feet in the finale, faces lit with smiles, was a wonderful reminder of why live theatre continues to be so vital. When the news these days can be very doom and gloom, a show like Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is exactly the kind of colourful escapism we need.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Credit - Tristram Kenton

SEAT REVIEW

Venue: Theatre Royal Plymouth

Seat location: Stalls, D15

The view is excellent, it is a little close for me and personally I would choose further back in maybe G row at this Theatre. Row D is the first row the tiers in the Stalls and therefore you are slightly hovering above the first three rows. The legroom can be a little tight and the seats have lost some of their padding with age but not too uncomfortable.