A guaranteed night of escapism awaits this winter as Edinburgh’s Playhouse premieres a new tour of this much beloved musical to delight young and old… and those of older years are definitely ensuring they have a ticket to catch a glimpse of the legendary Donny Osmond in his limited run as Pharaoh.
Rejuvenating preloved shows can be risky but Laurence Connor directs with a knowing light touch, letting the simplicity of storytelling through a smorgasbord of musical styles radiate through this retelling of the Old Testament fable of betrayal, redemption, faith and forgiveness, as Joseph (Adam Filipe), the favourite of twelve sons, is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, only to rise to fame and riches in Egypt thanks to his gift for interpreting dreams.
Joseph is a favourite because of its unashamed joy, swimming in cheese and ignoring contemporary trends to entice the audience with many a wink and nod that results in an endearingly honest and entertaining two hour spectacular that’s guaranteed to turn a frown upside down.
Ben Cracknell’s kaleidoscope lights partner Morgan Large’s epic yet simple set which frames a fantastic ensemble cast who energetically deliver Andrew Lloyd Webber’s eclectic score, embracing pop, country, calypso, chanson (oui, oui), lullaby and Rock N' Roll, while Joann M. Hunter’s choreography dazzles in a showcase of tap, can-can, line-dance, cheerleading, gymnastics and, of course, some hip thrusts from a certain Pharaoh.
The glue of the piece is down to the Narrator, and understudy Charley Warbuton, stepping in for Christina Bianco, deserves much praise as she leads us all on the technicolour journey with a breezy, inviting energy partnered with great singing which ensures a stream of smooth transitions. And not forgetting the titular role, which is mostly performed around and can sometimes come across as irritatingly wholesome, Adam Filipe is vibrantly present and his beautiful vocals add distinction and flair to ‘Any Dream Will Do’ and ‘Close Every Door’, the latter being a highlight of the night.
Nods to nostalgia work great here too, with eight of the main ensemble played by children, adding humour while reminding all this originated as a school show, and Osmond’s interactions with Filipe bridge then and now, as he quips "I did it in a loincloth!" and "God, I love this show!", as he delights in his star turn which the eager crowd absolutely lap up.
There’s a frisson of excited energy in the room as the audience soak in the spectacle, with one or two escaped "aahs" to a chorus of giggles, plus a delightful turn at the act two overture from musical director John Rigby who turns his conducting to an eager audience in a lovely moment.
Receiving a deservedly rapturous reception, the occasional missed lyric or two due to sound or muffled vocal barely matters as exuberance takes charge in a family show that’s eager to deliver a joyous experience for its audience - and indeed it does.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at Edinburgh Playhouse until Sunday 29 December.
© Lindsay Corr, December 2024