In 1967, a pair of then-unknowns were commissioned by the music master of Colet Court to write a short musical for schoolboys at a school concert that year. That modest commission launched the careers of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, and the resulting work—Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat—has since become one of Britain’s most enduring and beloved musicals.

Now on UK tour (and at New Victoria Theatre Woking until 7 June), Joseph returns with all its trademark vibrancy, humour, and irresistible melodies. Drawing on the familiar biblical story of Joseph, the favoured son with prophetic dreams and a coat of many colours, the production traces his fall at the hands of his jealous brothers, his rise from slavery to power in Egypt, and his ultimate triumph as the Pharaoh’s trusted adviser.

This high-energy production is fast-paced and knowingly self-aware. Adam Filipe leads with charm and vocal confidence in the title role, supported by a dynamic ensemble. The troupe of brothers deliver much of the show’s comedy, reaching a comic high point with a raucous, tap-dancing bluegrass number in “One More Angel in Heaven.”

Christina Bianco is a standout as the Narrator, commanding the stage with vocal precision and sparkling presence. She anchors the show’s storytelling framework and, along with the children’s chorus, shifts fluidly between roles—most memorably in a witty sequence where three young boys don false beards to join the brothers. Bianco’s extraordinary versatility indeed further extends to doubling as Joseph’s father, Jacob; her facial malleability is nothing short of extraordinary. 

Guest star Joe McElderry—an X Factor winner—takes on the role of Pharaoh with evident relish, leaning into the Elvis pastiche of the Vegas-inspired number with camp flamboyance. Part of the show’s enduring appeal lies in its pastiche-laden score, which ranges from calypso to country to chanson, ensuring it remains fresh and genre-defying decades after its debut.

Visually, the production is a spectacle: Cancan dancers, tap dancing, golden chariots, and bicycle-powered camels populate the stage in a kaleidoscopic flurry. At no point, however, does this exuberance overpower the narrative; the balance is finely calibrated. 

The final ‘Megamix’ brings the house to its feet, a jubilant celebration of community, nostalgia, and sheer musical joy. In an age where escapism is increasingly valued, Joseph delivers just that—bright, bold, and unashamedly fun.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

UK Tour continues until 3 August 2025.

For tickets, please visit www.atgtickets.com