Theatre Royal, Nottingham
Described by John Barrowman as having a voice of gold, Keith Jack, the runner up of the BBC’s Any Dream Will Do in 2007, now has the coat to match. After previously playing the Narrator on Tour, he now takes centre stage in this production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice classic, writes James Taylor.
After losing out to the older Lee Mead, the three year gap has been kind to Jack, his voice stronger with a wider range and his body, although still very slim, is toned and muscular, able to carry off the loin-cloth he has to wear for much of the production - which runs at Nottingham until 9th October.
Here, I should mention that I went with a friend who was worried he would be cold, I reassured her that he should be alright because the footlights would probably be quite warm!
Following in the footsteps of not only Mead but Jason Donovan, Philip Schofield, Stephen Gately and even Ian ‘H’ Watkins from Steps, Jack makes the role his own. His Joseph is young, agile, honest and vulnerable and yet surprisingly tongue-in-cheek, as was the show.
For those who don’t know, or have forgotten the plot; this production was true to the Biblical Story in the Book of Genesis, with Benjamin not taking part in the sale of Joseph to the Ishmalites (a distinction often not made) after their brother, who is his father’s favourite and can’t stop swanking about in the multi-coloured coat the old man has bought him boasting in song that he ‘was born for higher things than you, a post in someone’s government, a ministry or two.’
Although considered a light-hearted musical, the story of attempted fratricide, serfdom and wrongful imprisonment can be quite dark.
What you need, and what we certainly got are plenty of comedy moments to lighten the mood.
These were a little obvious, yet inspired: during One More Angel, the supposedly dead Joseph appears at the top of the stairs behind the company dressed as an angel mouthing the words “It’s me! Ssh! Don’t tell anybody”, singing camels (imagine a hobby horse with a hump and a moving mouth) and gender bending voices: an extremely comedy high-pitched Judah in One More Angel and Mrs Potiphar’s classic seductive line “Come and lie with me love” delivered in the tone of Barry White with a head cold brought howls of laughter from the audience.
All were simplistic, yet were hilariously funny and typical of a production that doesn’t take itself too seriously: using small toys as the children of Israel, a Butler in a tailcoat and the Egyptian headdress as worn by the Sphinx, a sort of cross between Jeeves and Tutankhamen, and blow up sheep (well, they were shepherds).
It’s a little tacky, but they can get away with it: like panto: it’s not just acceptable, it’s enjoyable!
It’s a feel-good show and the story all ends well, when after the Brothers beg for forgiveness from Joseph, by now Pharaoh’s right hand man after correctly interpreting his dreams concerning the great famine which engulfed the nation and Jacob and sons head off for a new life in Egypt.
Oh, and to the lady who wondered by Pharaoh was dressed as Elvis – it’s because he’s the King, dear!
Jack was ably supported by a first-rate supporting cast: Trina Hill as the Narrator had a superb vocal range, maintaining clarity and a real stage presence, Camilla Rowland as the Ice cool seductress Mrs Potiphar and a talented band of brothers who are not only vengeful yet amazingly light on their feet, maintaining the strict choreography.
The production made good use of the large Theatre Royal stage with a set featuring twin staircases which provided seating for the choir as well as some classic entrances and exits dancing up and down the steps.
The Joseph choir were from a local Performing Arts school and all of the children, aged between five and ten were in good form singing and joining in the action.
The music was skilfully provided by the seven piece Joseph band with the 19 abiding numbers ringing out across the theatre.
For all the wonderful performances, though, you mustn’t forget it’s the music that makes the show. The Lloyd Webber score with the Rice lyrics to match.
Those classic sing along songs including: Any Dream Will Do, Joseph’s Coat, Close Every Door and Go, Go, Go Joseph!
There was hardly a member of the near-capacity audience, consisting of all ages, who didn’t join in with the singing and clapping during the Joseph Megamix at the end of the show.
From the opening lines: “Some folks dream of the wonders they’ll do” to the closing “Bring me my coloured coat, my amazing coloured coat”, There’s no doubt it’s fun night out for all the family, catch it while you can!
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