REVIEW: The Rice & Lloyd Webber “Joseph” at The Swan (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

REVIEW: The Rice & Lloyd Webber “Joseph” at The Swan

11:46am Tuesday 23rd February 2010 in

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Each time I see Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat it seems to get better and better. How? Somehow it has transformed itself from an overblown student-type romp into first class family entertainment of ebullience and spectacle.

The setting is a tongue-in-cheek telling of the biblical tale of Joseph, the youngest and favourite of Jacob’s twelve sons, surviving attempted murder by his jealous brothers, flying to Egypt and rising to power in Pharaoh’s court. Later his family arrive starving and reconciliation follows. This may sound serious stuff - Do Not Believe It for one moment.

>From the start Lloyd Webber, having played his trump card, the fabulous number “Any Dream Will Do”, produces a series of short scenas, backed by a string of tuneful, popular numbers aimed to carry the audience with them, backed by Rice’s witty words and a staging that never flags.

However, cleverly, too much similarity is avoided by a couple of more thoughtful episodes involving Jacob and Potiphar, both played sincerely by an older actor, Henry Metcalfe.

Then the second Act begins with the Choir from Wycombe’s Jackie Palmer Stage School skilfully reprising some of the best tunes (including “One More Angel in Heaven“). They are joined by Trina Hill, who attractively and firmly portrays the Narrator throughout.

Then comes a coup de theatre with the Gilbertian-like late appearance of Pharaoh in the hilarious guise of Elvis Presley (Lachlan Scheuber).

Of course the show depends on the portrayal of Joseph, the dominant role, one that must be filled by a young, handsome and pleasing personality.. Craig Chalmers fitted those requirements admirably, a favourite with the ladies judging from the vociferous reactions.

The costumes, set designs and lighting were suitably “pop” Middle East, and the supporting cast was hard working and professional. I imagine they do not often get a “mention in despatches”, so I specially pick out the three pretty and agile Handmaidens - Holy Adams, Danielle Calvert and Rosanna Hoult.

The finale - a series of reprises - was perhaps the longest given and most noisily received I have met in many a year - deserved too.

Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat is on at the Wycombe Swan from February 22 to 27. Tickets range from £13 to £25. For performance times and tickets call 01494512000 or go to www.wycombeswan.co.uk.