Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opened last night at the Everyman Theatre with Joe McElderry (X-Factor winner, 2009) the latest in a long line of tunesters suiting up to face the music.

There are shows running until Saturday evening with afternoon performances on Thursday and Saturday. Find out more and book tickets on the Everyman website here.

Cheltenham Rocks Review by Frankie Chapman

Since first hitting the West End 36 years ago, the role of Joseph has been played by many famous faces including Jason Donavan and Philip Schofield. Big shoes (coat?) to fill and I was interested to see how Joe would get on in this, the last leg of the Joseph tour.

He may not have had an album out since 2012, but Joe’s voice is still just as strong as ever. He is able to reach some beautiful notes and on songs such as ‘Close every Door’ the intensity and strength of his voice fits perfectly. In hand with the voice, his personality lends itself to a very funny and lively Joseph.

Not to be over shadowed is the amazingly talented Lucy Kay in her role as the narrator (if Lucy’s name sounds familiar you know your reality TV, she was a BGT runner up)

Lucy’s role feels as if it were written for her. She hit some incredible notes that earned rapturous applause.

The rest of the cast more then held their own with individual voices and personalities shining through. The characters were easily distinguishable, and with plenty of catchy tunes performed in a variety of musical genres including country, French accordion and calypso the night had a real feel-good factor.

The show was very funny and laugh-out-loud in a lot of places.

A singing camel, inflatable sheep, Joseph on a golden motorbike and even a singing Elvis Pharaoh (played by Ben James-Ellis) were among the comedy highlights.

For a touring production I felt the set design was of a really good standard, the initial screen with the musical overture was slightly underwhelming but the rest of the design really impressed with the large Pharaoh and also the clever use of the pyramid of stairs.

The costumes are great, the use of American football outfits, burlesque and even cheerleading outfits may seem strange when you think of the Bible, but they only add to the humour of the show.

The children’s choir were wonderful, they smiled throughout and it was clear they were having a great time.

By the time Joe shouted ‘Shall we sing one more’, nearly every single person - young and old - were on their feet clapping along, I know I certainly was.

This is the perfect light-hearted uplifting musical for all ages, and is certainly a must see before it leaves town.

Frankie, June 2017

Book tickets for Joseph at Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre here.

Looking for something to do this weekend? View the weekend listings for Cheltenham here.