Streamers, camels and Can Can dancing are all part of the fun as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat arrives at the Sunderland Empire.
For more than 50 years this multi-award-winning show by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber has been wowing audiences – and it doesn’t show any signs at all of getting old. The packed theatre was cheering and clapping with delight from the moment the curtain raised until lights went up at the end and like me I’m sure they are still singing the iconic tunes today.
Throughout the years producers have put their own stamp on this world-renowned musical and this version from Michael Harrison is no different. In a twist there are a number of children who take on many of the roles. Included four bearded youngsters portraying four of the brothers.
Joe McElderry (Pharaoh) and Adam Filipe (Joseph) in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Sunderland Empire.
(Image: ©Tristram Kenton)
I’ve previously seen youngsters in the chorus line-up doing a bit of singing, but in this production they take on much bigger roles and the talented bunch work so hard throughout the show.
Another person who was hardly off stage was Christine Bianco as the Narrator – again in a change to the norm, she also performs as Jacob – Joseph’s father – and Potiphar’s seductress wife and brings a lot of fun to the whole production.
Taking on the namesake role of Joseph is theatre star, Adam Filipe, and wow – what a voice. His rendition of Close Every Door was mesmerizing.
Joining the line up of the London Palladium production at the Sunderland Empire – much to the delight of the audience – is the North East’s very own Joe McElderry.
The South Shields star is no stranger to this stage show, having starred in the role of Joseph during an extensive 2017/2018 UK tour. This time he is back as Pharaoh and was given a proper royal welcome from the audience. His big Elvis-style number was brilliant and a real highlight of the night.
Everything about the show is a gift, from the cast to the costumes and stage settings – if you are looking for the feel-good factor this is the place to go.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will run at the Sunderland Empire until Sunday 19 January 2025. Tickets available online now at ATGTickets.com/Sunderland.
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