The Story of the Show

Lloyd Webber approached his friend, Tim Rice to collaborate with him on the project. Although they had already been working with each other, this would be the first of their pieces to be performed. Rice eventually suggested they tell the tale of the bible story of Joseph and his 11 brothers, after toying with such subject matters as spies and 007.

The first performance was given at Colet Court on March 1 1968. Alan Doggett conducted the school orchestra for the 15 minute performance. A great success, Joseph was performed again on May 12 at Central Hall, Westminster. At the concert, Andrew's brother, Julian gave a recital in the first half and their father was the organist.

Amongst the audience was Sunday Times jazz and pop critic, Derek Jewell whose favourable review ensured a third performance at St Paul's Cathedral on November 9 1968, with added songs. An album of this performance was released by Decca to critical acclaim. Novella and Co also published the music.

Such success secured Lloyd Webber and Rice a management contract, and the composer and lyricist were able to concentrate on their work together. This eventually led to the successful Jesus Christ Superstar.

In 1972, Frank Dunlop of the Young Vic staged a new version of the Decca version of Joseph at the Edinburgh Festival. Stints at the Young Vic and the Roundhouse followed.

On February 17, 1973 a reworked version of this production opened at the Albery, with a prologue entitled 'Jacob's Journey', by Lloyd Webber and Rice with dialogue by Alan Simpson and Ray Galton. This was dropped and a new version of Joseph opened at the Haymarket Theatre in Leicester - the version that is still performed around the world to this day.

The current UK touring production of Joseph is produced by Bill Kenwright who has been touring Joseph around the country since 1979.

Bill Kenwright mounted a new West End production at the New London Theatre in 2003.