Reviews

The injection of a few fresh ideas to bring the show up to date is needed every once in a while. And that's exactly what Director Bill Kenwright has given it - from the addition of the Elvis-esque Pharaoh with a brand new catchy song "King Of My Heart" to the finale's Joseph Mega-mix, making the Empire feel like some sort of biblical nightclub.
And perhaps it's handy that in the current climate of TV reality talent programmes Kenwright has a remarkably talented troupe of ready-trained show-folk from which to choose his main cast members.

Runner-up to current West End Joseph Lee Mead on the BBC's Any Dream Will Do, Keith Jack fills the Narrator's role excellently, whilst former contestant on ITV's rockier rival talent show Grease Is The Word, Wayne Smith was a perfect choice to play the aforementioned Elvis Pharaoh.

But neither could match the performance of Craig Chalmers, who Bill Kenwright tipped for the top in the early days of Any Dream Will Do. More Jason Donovan than Phillip Schofield in his looks, Chalmers receives his fair share of screams in the lead role.

Energetic

His impeccable diction throughout and faultless "Close Every Door" whilst wallowing in Potiphar's prison prove that he is more than worthy of his Director's premature praise.
Meanwhile, several comic inclusions such as inflatable sheep and singing camels can't help provoke a wry smile on even the most cynical musical reviewer's face. The delightful Handmaiden quartet and Jacob's army of sons all deliver an array of energetic dance routines too.

But whilst Joseph is famed for its singalong numbers, the show's orchestra outshines the overall vocal performances which aside from Chalmers, often lacks power.
The same couldn't be said about the choral support provided by the children of Elliott-Clarke Theatre School however, as they are simply fantastic. Especially when given centre stage for an a capella opening of Act 2.

Glitches aside, Joseph wouldn't be Joseph without the multi-coloured Any Dream Will Do finale, which, as expected has the entire rapturous theatre upstanding as Chalmers takes to the skies to wave us all goodbye.