Todmorden Hippodrome's own youth theatre burst onto the stage this evening on opening night of their production of the evergreen favourite from the pens of Lloyd-Webber and Rice. 'Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' [colour has to be spelled this way as it is a Trademark!] was the first musical that the hit duo wrote together, and was intended initially as a 60 minute one act oratorio for Primary School children. My oh my, how it has developed over the years! It tells the Biblical story of Joseph and his eleven brothers, and his rise to fortune in Egypt due to his accurate dream-interpreting ability.
The musical is very tongue-in-cheek, and never at any point does it ever take itself seriously, and both director Martin Crook and the entire cast knew this, and managed to produce one of the most professional, proficient, and indeed entertaining productions of this musical I have seen in a long time! [...and I have seen MANY!]
Taking inspiration from the film / DVD version for both the set and direction of the musical seemed to work very much in this group's favour. It was a bright, light, and yet serious spectacle, in which every single cast member shone in their own right, giving their cumulative alls to the success of this show.
It helps enormously that the Hippodrome has the ability to fly in scenery, as this really helped both set the mood and keep the changes swift, and some of the 'pictures' created were truly lovely, and excellently thought-out.
Rebecca Spooner proved to be a most amiable and proficient Narrator, bobbing in and out of the action as required, whilst Joseph Dowling's Joseph was plaintive, sympathetic, and very watchable. Jacob's make-up was brilliant, and his gait and voice from Samuel Rawlinson was always just on the right side of caricature and worked nicely. James Shepherd (almost) stole the show as Pharaoh. His vocals were excellent and really did sound like Elvis. He tried hard to get Elvis's physicality but never quite managed to pull that off, but it didn't matter.. we enjoyed watching him anyway! Oliver Quantrill-Scott's interpretation of Potipher was one of the best I have ever seen, and was truly brilliant; whilst his lascivious wife (Lucy Wheadon) worked well seducing Joseph.
The eleven brothers worked well together as an all-singing-all-dancing ensemble, each having their own individual characteristics within the group. Nicely done. Whilst a large chorus of dancers, singers and cameo roles filled the stage where necessary.
The lighting was creative and worked nicely; sound levels were good, the musical direction (Helen Clarkson) was secure; the soloists enjoying their songs, the choruses joyous, and the band's 'pop' sound was note perfect and sounded great this evening. The choreography (Alexandra Townend and Lisa Parker) was always within the group's ability with a couple of nifty moves given to those with a little more ability. It always was appropriate and I loved all the picture finishes.
I don't think I have seen the Hippodrome Youth Theatre perform before, except when a handful of them appeared in the adult shows; but I certainly hope it won't be my last. A fully-rounded production performed by a young, zestful, and talented company.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 25.10.23
on - 25.10.23
Thank you so much we all work so hard for it to be amazing I’m happy u like it
ReplyDeleteIt was an incredible play
ReplyDeleteWhat about the wonderful coat of many colours made by Maddie Cullinane and her wardrobe team. None of the costumes were hired.
ReplyDelete