Close every door to me. 
Hide all the world from me. 
Bar all the windows 
and shut out the light.

A welcome return to The Core Theatre in Solihull after major building issues and an equally appreciated invite from St Alphege Musical Theatre Production Society (STAMPS) to review their latest offering. What I didn’t mention in accepting was that Joseph is one of my top ten hated musicals. Ah … be afraid. But don’t worry, I can only comment on what is performed and I am happy to say STAMPS blew this one out of the park. It takes a great production to wipe away pre-existing worries but out of all the shows I have seen this society present, this was by far the best. From start to finish, the power and joy exuberated off the stage and into to stalls, and everyone went home happy after giving the deserved ovation this production deserved.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber retells the mythical story of a young Canaanite boy who being the favourite son of Jacob, lords it over his brothers with his premonitions until they get fed up and tell their father he has died while really selling him into slavery. Well, nobody likes a clever dick, do they. After an unfortunate episode in the house of Potipher in Egypt, Joseph is imprisoned but his dream telling reaches the ears of Pharoah. Here he predicts 7 years of prosperity followed by 7 years of famine which prompts Pharoah to stockpile in anticipation. This makes Joseph wealthy and important and eventually, his starving family ask for help, and they realise their errors of the past.

The story is told by the Narrator and I am glad to say all dialogue was sung on this occasion superbly by Alice Bennett who linked the show together memorably and also shone in A Pharoah’s Story. As Joseph we had Dylan Norris and he excelled throughout, giving a stunning rendition of Close Every Door in particular. Supporting well in the cast, though were Anthony Tonks (Jacob), Paul Wozniak (Simeon), Kieran Scott (Naphtali), Chris Westwood (Gad), Devlin Young (Asher/Camel), Michael Smith (Dan/Potipher), Cameron Kyffin (Zebulun), Jack Chatten (Benjamin), Callum Byrne (Judah), and Miya Mitchell (Mrs. Potipher). Finally (and I have never gotten this), Pharaoh in Elvis guise was brilliantly portrayed by Robert Bateman. A special mention to Andrew Hodkinson who could not portray Reuben for health reasons and to whom the show was dedicated. Amateur theatre companies are a family, and families are there for each other.

What I liked about this production (and was lacking from the last professional version I saw) was the energy, atmosphere and efforts go outside of the box at times. A singing camel? Just one of many areas of injected humour that went down well. Also, skilful use of lighting with the overheads, creating the impression of bars in the prison.

Now one niggle with the script itself (as with that other Rice/Lloyd Webber treat, Jesus Christ Superstar); women are severely underrepresented. Not a lot you can do, I suppose, considering the source material, unless Tim and Andy get together to do an updated version. Still, the women on stage were amazing and STAMPS certainly made sure their presence was felt. These were Bethany Wyde, Georgia Harley, Leanne Plews, Lynne Davis, Olivia Pugh, Paige Yeomans and Sophie Rawson.

Also pleasurable for me was the increased involvement of the child singers. In the past, I have just seen a seated chorus, but these younger members were truly part of the show in song and movement and especially dance. Due to the usual restrictions, the child casts were split into Team 1 and 2. I saw the latter who delighted all in the audience with their energy and delivery. These were Abbie Cockerill, Anaiah Maybeck, Benjamin Tomkinson, Bethan James, Erin Mullis, Evelyn Knott, Molly Butler, and Penny Moore. But let’s not forget the ones I missed out on from Team 1, for I am sure there were equally amazing. These were Aisling Mustard, Alice Troth, Arianna Guerin, Darcy Churchill, Eloisa Guerin, Hollie Stone, Isabella Powis, Leah Wainwright, Sofia-Rose Nykamp and Sophie Hornsey. Ironically, one of those on Team 1 that I could not see due to my availability, was on stage with last week starring alongside me in another production. It’s a small but lovely world, the local theatre scene.

The director and choreographer for this show was Robert Bateman (already mentioned on stage) with musical direction (and a live band) from Phil Ypres-Smith. Both can be well proud of the results and along with the cast, fully deserving of the applause and comments I heard afterwards. I must also commend the amazing costumes, courtesy of Leo’s Theatrical Costumes. Nice warm welcome from Front of House, too.

A huge triumph to have me enjoy a show that I previously disliked. Well done. Joseph is on at the Core until Saturday night, and you can get tickets here. I highly recommend it.

Cheers.

Antony N Britt

*Photos taken from social media.