Post by Tanith Messenger on Aug 4, 2006 21:59:22 GMT
Go, go, go Joseph!
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is on at the Jersey Opera House until September 2nd. Claire Peters thinks that if you are after an evening of pure entertainment then this is the show for you.
"A classic example of good, clean family entertainment"
Until Saturday 03 September Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat will be showing at the Jersey Opera House.
Claire Peters went along to the opening performance and here’s what she made of it:
Fun for all the family
This family friendly musical is back in the island to attract a new generation of fans, as well as giving the old ones a chance to see a bubbly and magical version of their favourite bible-inspired musical.
Bill Kenwright’s production of Joseph is a classic example of good, clean family entertainment; it’s fast paced, loud, colourful and above all fun.
‘H’ side success
Starring in the title role is Ian Watkins, probably better known as ‘H’, a member of the now disbanded pop group Steps, and more recently the TV show ‘H side story’, and I can honestly admit that I was pleasantly surprised by how good he was.
Pharaoh and Joseph
People forget that Steps really were a successful group (they notched up thirteen consecutive top five hits) and as such it comes as somewhat of a surprise to find that Ian ‘H’ Watkins can not only sing, but can sing well.
In fact the whole cast were fantastic, belting out the numbers with gusto and enthusiasm, although I think a special mention should go to Hannah Grover as the narrator, whose voice was particularly spectacular.
An extra round of applause is also in order for the local schoolchildren who made up the cast of the Joseph choir, they were like true professionals and sung their hearts out – well done!
Visually stunning
The whole show is visually stunning; the set is simple but versatile and the performers use the space well, the lighting is impressive (look out for the bars of Joseph’s prison cell) and the costumes really are fantastic.
One of the reasons why this show proves so popular with family audiences is that it is quick moving with relentless action; busy and colourful number follows busy and colourful number.
Plus there’s plenty of opportunity for a bit of audience participation as well; you’re encouraged to leap to your feet for a sing-song and a “boogie woogie” towards the end of the performance.
Fast paced
In fact I didn’t look at my watch once throughout the two-hour show, and was amazed when the curtain came down to signify the end of the first half - an hour had whizzed by in what felt like 20 minutes.
Another way Joseph ensures that it keeps the audience’s attention is that each song is in a completely different style. And with it comes different costumes and dancing; the songs are totally individual rather than variations on the same theme, which some musicals can be.
One moment you’re rocking with Elvis, the next you’re dosey doeing to the country and western inspired ‘There’s One More Angel in Heaven’ before you find yourself calypsoing in the Caribbean.
Sing-along
Joseph is one of those curious musicals that despite never having seen before you find yourself knowing every single word to, and out of nowhere comes an ability to sing, or at least hum, along with the cast.
Plus the songs are so catchy you’ll be singing them for a long time after the final notes of the encore have faded, as one audience member commented, “I’ve had those songs stuck in my head for three days – and now it’s actually quite annoying,” before adding “as it is for the guy who sits opposite me at work!”
Pure entertainment
Watching Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at Jersey Opera House won’t change your life, but it will keep you thoroughly entertained for an evening.
I think it’s like the Blackpool of musicals, it’s camp and tacky but instead of pretending to be something that it is isn’t, it celebrates what it is; harmless, a lot of fun and people love it.
If you like your theatre thought-provoking and meaningful then this is probably not for you, however if you fancy sitting back and being entertained for a couple of hours on a summers evening then book now.
ps. If you like your gentlemen blonde, buff and in a silver loin cloth then definitely book now!
Tickets are available from the Jersey Opera House box office. Telephone 511115.
©copyright www.bbc.co.uk 2006 by Claire Peters
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is on at the Jersey Opera House until September 2nd. Claire Peters thinks that if you are after an evening of pure entertainment then this is the show for you.
"A classic example of good, clean family entertainment"
Until Saturday 03 September Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat will be showing at the Jersey Opera House.
Claire Peters went along to the opening performance and here’s what she made of it:
Fun for all the family
This family friendly musical is back in the island to attract a new generation of fans, as well as giving the old ones a chance to see a bubbly and magical version of their favourite bible-inspired musical.
Bill Kenwright’s production of Joseph is a classic example of good, clean family entertainment; it’s fast paced, loud, colourful and above all fun.
‘H’ side success
Starring in the title role is Ian Watkins, probably better known as ‘H’, a member of the now disbanded pop group Steps, and more recently the TV show ‘H side story’, and I can honestly admit that I was pleasantly surprised by how good he was.
Pharaoh and Joseph
People forget that Steps really were a successful group (they notched up thirteen consecutive top five hits) and as such it comes as somewhat of a surprise to find that Ian ‘H’ Watkins can not only sing, but can sing well.
In fact the whole cast were fantastic, belting out the numbers with gusto and enthusiasm, although I think a special mention should go to Hannah Grover as the narrator, whose voice was particularly spectacular.
An extra round of applause is also in order for the local schoolchildren who made up the cast of the Joseph choir, they were like true professionals and sung their hearts out – well done!
Visually stunning
The whole show is visually stunning; the set is simple but versatile and the performers use the space well, the lighting is impressive (look out for the bars of Joseph’s prison cell) and the costumes really are fantastic.
One of the reasons why this show proves so popular with family audiences is that it is quick moving with relentless action; busy and colourful number follows busy and colourful number.
Plus there’s plenty of opportunity for a bit of audience participation as well; you’re encouraged to leap to your feet for a sing-song and a “boogie woogie” towards the end of the performance.
Fast paced
In fact I didn’t look at my watch once throughout the two-hour show, and was amazed when the curtain came down to signify the end of the first half - an hour had whizzed by in what felt like 20 minutes.
Another way Joseph ensures that it keeps the audience’s attention is that each song is in a completely different style. And with it comes different costumes and dancing; the songs are totally individual rather than variations on the same theme, which some musicals can be.
One moment you’re rocking with Elvis, the next you’re dosey doeing to the country and western inspired ‘There’s One More Angel in Heaven’ before you find yourself calypsoing in the Caribbean.
Sing-along
Joseph is one of those curious musicals that despite never having seen before you find yourself knowing every single word to, and out of nowhere comes an ability to sing, or at least hum, along with the cast.
Plus the songs are so catchy you’ll be singing them for a long time after the final notes of the encore have faded, as one audience member commented, “I’ve had those songs stuck in my head for three days – and now it’s actually quite annoying,” before adding “as it is for the guy who sits opposite me at work!”
Pure entertainment
Watching Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at Jersey Opera House won’t change your life, but it will keep you thoroughly entertained for an evening.
I think it’s like the Blackpool of musicals, it’s camp and tacky but instead of pretending to be something that it is isn’t, it celebrates what it is; harmless, a lot of fun and people love it.
If you like your theatre thought-provoking and meaningful then this is probably not for you, however if you fancy sitting back and being entertained for a couple of hours on a summers evening then book now.
ps. If you like your gentlemen blonde, buff and in a silver loin cloth then definitely book now!
Tickets are available from the Jersey Opera House box office. Telephone 511115.
©copyright www.bbc.co.uk 2006 by Claire Peters