Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Bristol Hippodrome review
Posted on: 2025-03-13
Our rating:
With its fast-paced numbers, colourful sets, and unrivalled energy this new adaptation is a must see.
Sarah-Jane Howard reviews Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Bristol Hippodrome which is showing until 22 March 2025 - get tickets here.
When I was given the opportunity to go along to The Bristol Hippodrome to review Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, it was an easy yes. I love the show. It’s colour, humour and catchy tunes contribute to make it a fun-filled extravaganza. Having first learnt the songs as a 7-year-old member of my school choir, I am still pretty much word perfect and years later my ability to name the sons of Jacob gave me bonus marks with my RE tutor at teacher training college!
My first introduction to musical theatre was this very show, at this very theatre 40 years ago and it has always held an incredibly special place in my heart. So, it was with an elevated level of excitement and fervent anticipation I settled into my seat. Thankfully, this exhilarating version of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s multi-award-winning musical did not disappoint.
Told almost entirely through song, with very little dialogue this enduring production is the ultimate tale of sibling rivalry. It tells the bible story of Joseph, the favoured son of a father who gifts him a glorious multi-coloured coat. This is a step too far for his jealous brothers, who plot to betray him and sell him into slavery in Egypt. Thanks to his uncanny ability to interpret dreams he becomes an adviser to the Pharoah and rises to a position of power in his new country. Through many convoluted twists and turns, he is eventually happily reunited with his remorseful family.
Known for its spirited storytelling and mixture of musical styles – rock, pop, soulful ballad, country - Joseph has proved a hit with audiences since its West End debut in 1973. This lively adaptation retains all the quirky bits and crazy humour, while adding fresh touches with lavish sets and rainbow lighting effortlessly moving the audience from the family home to the vast dramatic panoramas of Egypt and into Joseph’s vivid dreams. Michael Harrison, David and Hannah Mirvish and Jake Hine have put together a production that is a colourful modern take on a proven classic. A new invigorated version with bang on vocals and innovative choreography (including cheerleaders and cancan dancers) that keeps the audience gripped from start to finish.
In the lead role of Joseph, Adam Filipe is fantastic. A superb actor and accomplished singer, who oozes charm, he has a real presence on stage and belts out stunning renditions of the crowd pleasing Close Every Door and Any Dream Will Do. Also giving a good performance is Joe McElderry of X-Factor fame, in the role of Pharoah. His hip-swivelling Elvis inspired arrival in Act Two is a comedy crowd pleaser, eliciting many a scream from his fans in the crowd.
Undoubtedly the absolute star of the show is Christina Bianco, who is a charismatic and entertaining Narrator. She effortlessly moves the story on with strong vocals and a cheeky persona that is a real hit with the audience.
That said, the whole ensemble including the many children in the cast taking on prominent roles do a brilliant job. All bring enthusiasm and are talented performers who give real personality to their characters.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is playing at Bristol Hippodrome until 22nd March. With its fast-paced numbers, colourful sets, and unrivalled energy this new adaptation is a must see. Get tickets here.
Article by:
Sarah-Jane is an aficionado of film, theatre, culture and the arts. A voracious reader and avid crafter, she can be found volunteering her face painting talents at Bristol Zoo when she's not cementing her reputation as Coalpit Heath’s cake maker extraordinaire. Known to have an opinion on everything she’s never happier than when sharing these with the good folk of Bristol!
