Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics: Tim Rice
Director: Bill Kenwright
It’s been a staple of the UK touring scene for years but with regular recasts and tweaks to the production, Bill Kenright keeps audiences coming back again and again to this retro classic. Currently, Mark McMullan from Britain’s Got Talent makes his professional theatre debut and dons the famous coat.
McMullan’s soft operatic voice sends goosebumps rippling as he belts out Close Every Door. This may be his debut but he aces the role from start to finish full of charm and a commanding voice.
Giving new talent a chance to shine is what Kenwright seems to focus on with the casting in this current tour. Alexandra Doar also makes her professional debut as the Narrator. Doar is equally as talented as McMullan vocally and has a natural sincere aura around her which makes her a sweet and charming narrator.
Henry Lawes takes on the role of Pharoh and my, does he command the stage. Lawes plays up to the role and takes inspiration from Elvis’ showmanship. The audience laps up the nods to the King of Rock and Roll as his part of the show accelerates the energy of the production to a new level.
Kenwright keeps the bare bones of the production simple, complete with a local choir sitting on staircases at the side of the stage, just as they may do if it was a school production. It’s nods like this, as well as props such as a talking camel and a 2D cut out of a thought bubble that sets the production’s tone to one that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Complete with a whole host of different music genres and a plot line that isn’t challenging to understand, Joseph‘s main aim is to entertain and Kenwright does well to ham up the elements that he can to bring a light heart to the piece. It looks like the cast’s having a ball throughout and it’s that infectious feel good feeling that you will take with you as leave. This great piece of accessible theatre that is great for families and a fun introduction to musical theatre.
*A complimentary ticket was given in exchange for this review. This value for money rating is based on the ticket price value of £28.50 + £3 Booking Fee. Click here for more information on The Value For Money Rating
The Theatre Twittic 
Leave a Reply