REVIEW: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

IN my short 26 years on the planet I have seen many musicals, in many venues, in many parts of the country, but the first I can remember seeing was Joseph, writes Dan Sharp.

It was about 20 years ago when I saw Phillip Schofield lighting up the stage in the title role, where after I spent most of my childhood watching a worn out VHS tape of Donny Osmond as the future prince of Egypt, while singing along to the soundtrack on my tape player.

I had reservations about whether former X Factor winner Joe McElderry could live up to my glorious memories of the catchy musical, but I should never had worried.

There are many TV stars who make the transition from screen to stage and get leading roles on name rather than talent, but McElderry is not one.

His magical voice is much more suited to theatre than the pop charts, with particular praise being paid to his emotional performance of Close Every Door To Me which received a standing ovation from many in the audience – something I had not seen at the Grand in years.

But come the end of the evening, every person in every tier was on their feet clapping, dancing and singing along to the Joseph Megamix.

The show moves along at speed with stellar performances and laugh-out-loud moments throughout, however, it wasn’t without its flaws.

There were a few sound issues, the main one being the outstanding Narrator Lucy Kay – best known for being a runner-up in last year’s Britain’s Got Talent – who could tear the roof off with her soprano voice.

Her voice would be heard above the others without the need for a microphone, but when she hit those big notes she could have defended those in the audience who might have more sensitive ears.

Overall, any issues paled in comparison with how wonderful Joseph is for all the family, but a word of warning - you will find yourself humming all the unforgettable favourites including Those Canaan Days, Go, Go, Go, Joseph, Benjamin Calypso and of course Any Dream Will Do throughout the next few days!

If an evening of music, laughter and fun is needed for your family this week, you couldn’t do much better than taking a trip to the Grand – 4 out of 5.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs at the Grand Theatre until Saturday (May 21), with tickets, costing between £13 and £33, on sale from www.grandtheatre.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01902 429212.