Go, Go, Go York Stage! There is a technicolor of talent at Grand Opera House York this week – and you don’t want to miss it.
I would be shocked to learn of anyone who isn’t familiar with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber phenomenon.
Whether overdone in schools around the UK or a go-to choice for groups with the aspiring young actors of tomorrow, you can usually find Joseph and his brothers upcoming at any local theatre.
So… what makes York Stage’s production different: an unwavering level of talent, originality and the most professional children’s ensemble I have ever seen.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at Grand Opera House York from Friday 12 to Saturday 20 April.
An unfinished stage awaits us as we enter the auditorium, soon buzzing with what seems to be a children’s theatre camp in full swing – with exhausted leaders, enthusiastic children and props and lighting scattered unorganised around the stage.
But it’s not long before a spotlight hits, on our soon to be revealed Narrator (Hannah Shaw) and the rest is history, as we get transported into the story itself and, like magic, the stage and characters are set to tell the tale.
And this spotlight did not once waver. It was abundantly clear this is where Shaw belongs – with passionate storytelling, an outfit as sparkling as her stage presence and unmatched vocals, she commanded every inch of the story.
By her side were her trusty Team Canaan (Team Egypt performing at alternate performances), a children’s ensemble unparalleled, bursting with nothing short of joy that could be felt across the entire theatre. This is not another Joseph where the children sit and sing on the sidelines, director Nik Briggs ensured they were at the heart of the production, which secured its success from the very first scene.
And how can this production be reviewed without a moment for the leading man himself, Reuben Khan, who perfected the character of Joseph: sweet, charming and endearingly naive throughout.
I can say with full confidence his rendition of ‘Close Every Door’ was the best I have ever heard and if possible, would still be playing on repeat. I particularly enjoyed his relationship with his brothers: the best of York Stage’s alumni grouped together for an unmissable portrayal.
Their performances of ‘One More Angel’ and ‘Canaan Days’, accompanied by their brilliant dancing wives and a fabulous band (led by musical director Adam Tomlinson), were particular highlights and allowed their superlative comedic timing to shine bright.
This light never dimmed; whether it was meeting our fabulous Pharaoh Amy Barrett, witnessing the mastering of the challenging choreography, or being invited to the most captivating and camp party around in act one’s finale, ‘Go Go Go Joseph’ – you couldn’t help but want to get up and join in on the fun!
The stage was consistently filled with an explosion of energy, yet never felt overcrowded, with smooth scene changes, exceptional lighting design (Adam Moore) and fantastic costuming, hair and makeup (Charades Theatrical Costume, Phoebe Kilvington and team), it ensured everything matched the exceptional levels of talent on display. Whilst there were occasional sound issues, this did not stop the entire ensemble powering through and gaining a overwhelmingly positive reaction from the entire audience including a well deserved standing ovation.
Creative team Nik Briggs, Lesley Hill (choreographer) and Adam Tomlinson alongside their top-drawer of talent have yet again brought a new standard to York and I urge anyone, of any age to grab tickets whilst you can!
Don’t miss out on this walking work of art showing at Grand Opera House York until Saturday 20 April. Tickets start from £13 and are available via the Grand Opera House website.