THE ACCLAIMED NEW LONDON PALLADIUM PRODUCTION OF
REVIEW
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
JOSEPH and the TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
COMES TO THE CLIFFS PAVILLION, SOUTHEND
FOR ONE WEEK ONLY
Monday 26th September – Saturday 1st October 2022
www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
JOSEPH and the TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
COMES TO THE CLIFFS PAVILLION, SOUTHEND
FOR ONE WEEK ONLY
Monday 26th September – Saturday 1st October 2022
www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk
Told entirely through song with the help of the Narrator, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat follows the story of Jacob’s favourite son Joseph and his eleven brothers. After being sold into hardship by the brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled showman, the Pharaoh. As Joseph strives to resolve Egypt’s famine, he becomes Pharaoh’s right-hand man and eventually reunites with his family.
There was a huge sense of anticipation before the start of the press night of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, so it wasn't surprising to hear a collective audible groan when it was announced that Jason Donovan wouldn't be performing the role of Pharoah for this performance. It transpired that Mr Donovan was taken ill literally 10 minutes before curtain up and so we had a brief moment to get our heads around the disappointment of not seeing the former Neighbours hearthrob, and performer of Joseph back in 1991 when it premiered at the Dominion Theatre, London.
HOWEVER, and it is a big 'however' because this latest production is possibly one of the most vibrant, happy, funny, refreshing and delightful shows that I've seen from the Joseph franchise, and trust me I've seen quite a few. You can't help but become transfixed from the get go and this is helped by the fact that Alexandra Burke as the Narrator is a total joy.
This is a more modern, hip, version of Joseph that you won't have seen before; gone are the hoards of school choir, cutesy type kids that used to sit stage left and right providing spoonfuls of saccharin to the proceedings. The kids that are involved in this show get to show off their triple threat skills and are given actual roles that in previous productions, adult actors would have taken on. The kids in this cast are full of sass and it works fantastically well. It all looks enormous fun as they are guided along with Ms Burke also taking on extra roles, including Joseph's dad as well as the sultry, man-hungry wife of Potiphar. I always loved the role of Narrator being played by a female actor ever since seeing Linzi Hately smash it in the nineties. Alexandra Burke certainly gives just as much to the role of Narrator as her predecessor, in a part that requires strong vocals.
Joseph is played by Cardiff born, Jac Yarrow, who made his professional debut in the role at the London Palladium to critical acclaim; and it's easy to see why. His portrayal of the spurned brother is mesmerising and Close Every Door to Me will almost certainly leave goosebumps.
This is a production that isn't afraid to send itself up and there are lots of funny and witty moments throughout. I particularly enjoyed Those Canaan Days performed by Simeon and the brothers. Will Hawksworth is just brilliant in this number.
Producer, Michael Harrison, has clearly thrown a fair few pennies into this new production and it shows. You get what you pay for, right? Costumes, scenery, props and lighting all contribute to make this a jaw-dropping, goose-bumpingly wonderful night out. Director, Laurence Connor obviously knows what works and the choreography is just joyous from Joann M Hunter. Also, let's not forget just what a great score this is too, especially with MD, John Rigby, conducting the 10 piece orchestra in the pit providing a great sound.
I wish Jason Donovan a speedy recovery but please don't let his absence put you off going to see this knock out production. Whether you've seen this show once, ten, twenty times or not at all, you really won't be disappointed. "Go, go, go' and see Joseph.
Review: Kim Tobin
There was a huge sense of anticipation before the start of the press night of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, so it wasn't surprising to hear a collective audible groan when it was announced that Jason Donovan wouldn't be performing the role of Pharoah for this performance. It transpired that Mr Donovan was taken ill literally 10 minutes before curtain up and so we had a brief moment to get our heads around the disappointment of not seeing the former Neighbours hearthrob, and performer of Joseph back in 1991 when it premiered at the Dominion Theatre, London.
HOWEVER, and it is a big 'however' because this latest production is possibly one of the most vibrant, happy, funny, refreshing and delightful shows that I've seen from the Joseph franchise, and trust me I've seen quite a few. You can't help but become transfixed from the get go and this is helped by the fact that Alexandra Burke as the Narrator is a total joy.
This is a more modern, hip, version of Joseph that you won't have seen before; gone are the hoards of school choir, cutesy type kids that used to sit stage left and right providing spoonfuls of saccharin to the proceedings. The kids that are involved in this show get to show off their triple threat skills and are given actual roles that in previous productions, adult actors would have taken on. The kids in this cast are full of sass and it works fantastically well. It all looks enormous fun as they are guided along with Ms Burke also taking on extra roles, including Joseph's dad as well as the sultry, man-hungry wife of Potiphar. I always loved the role of Narrator being played by a female actor ever since seeing Linzi Hately smash it in the nineties. Alexandra Burke certainly gives just as much to the role of Narrator as her predecessor, in a part that requires strong vocals.
Joseph is played by Cardiff born, Jac Yarrow, who made his professional debut in the role at the London Palladium to critical acclaim; and it's easy to see why. His portrayal of the spurned brother is mesmerising and Close Every Door to Me will almost certainly leave goosebumps.
This is a production that isn't afraid to send itself up and there are lots of funny and witty moments throughout. I particularly enjoyed Those Canaan Days performed by Simeon and the brothers. Will Hawksworth is just brilliant in this number.
Producer, Michael Harrison, has clearly thrown a fair few pennies into this new production and it shows. You get what you pay for, right? Costumes, scenery, props and lighting all contribute to make this a jaw-dropping, goose-bumpingly wonderful night out. Director, Laurence Connor obviously knows what works and the choreography is just joyous from Joann M Hunter. Also, let's not forget just what a great score this is too, especially with MD, John Rigby, conducting the 10 piece orchestra in the pit providing a great sound.
I wish Jason Donovan a speedy recovery but please don't let his absence put you off going to see this knock out production. Whether you've seen this show once, ten, twenty times or not at all, you really won't be disappointed. "Go, go, go' and see Joseph.
Review: Kim Tobin
INTERVIEW with
Jason Donovan
who plays Pharaoh
Jason Donovan
who plays Pharaoh
Is Joseph as much fun to perform in as it is to watch?
Absolutely. It’s such an uplifting show and it feels relevant to the world we’re living in right now to a certain degree, since it’s about overcoming adversity and having self-belief. It’s part of this country’s DNA in a way and this tour is the West End production put into local theatres so it’s a version of the show many people won’t have seen before.
The London Palladium production was one of the first to open to full capacity after Covid restrictions. What was the atmosphere like?
We were all so emotional about that. It was a difficult and anxious time, of course, because you never quite knew where you stood in terms of testing every day and having to isolate if someone tested positive and you’d been around them. As you can imagine, with theatre that’s very hard but having full houses again was amazing.
This is your third go-round as Pharaoh. What keeps pulling you back in?
There’s so much history with Joseph for me and I was originally asked about recreating the role of Joseph himself. That didn’t come to fruition for a number of reasons and trying to recreate what I’d done in 1991 all these years later with me in my 50s was a bit of a non-starter anyway. But I was keen to be part of it and when the opportunity to play Pharaoh came along I took it without thinking too much about it. It sort of works, you know? The song comes in Act Two and it’s a bit of a show-stealer. Because of my association with the show I think it only increases the value of that moment and makes it more powerful.
You’re still in fantastic shape. What’s your regime?
I wouldn’t say I’m in top physical condition but if I’m going into town I’ll ride my bike and I try and get in a swim and a steam each day. I’m also a bit OCD so I’m always cleaning the house. Going up and down the stairs is enough to keep the fitness levels up to a certain degree.
A lot of people are introduced to Joseph through school productions. Was that the case with you?
I knew the piece but I wasn’t aware of the currency of the show in the UK until I was in it. It’s not really a big title in Australia. It’s known and I hear it may be heading there in the next year or so but it wasn’t big in schools, at least not when I was growing up.
It’s been going strong over here since the early 70s. Why do you think audiences still love it?
It’s a very simple show with a very clear message. It was Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s first real outing as writers and it’s quite unique because that sort of greatness is often born out of raw talent. [Laughs] When I first heard Any Dream Will Do I thought it was a cheesy lullaby but everyone told me if I recorded it it would be a massive hit. I didn’t believe them but to this day I can go out and sing it at one of those retro festivals like Rewind and Let’s Rock and the place goes nuts. And it’s not kids who are going nuts, it’s adults.
Jac Yarrow plays Joseph now. Having originally played the role yourself, how do you rate him as a performer?
He’s a very well-polished performer. He’s incredibly talented and he’s a great singer, and he’s got a lot of energy. It’s a different show to the one I did back in the 90s. It’s hard to compare the two and it’s hard to compare the two of us as performers, but he’s a great guy and I think the innocence and the spirit of Joseph is not only in the character but also in the person who is playing him. I’d like to think that back in the day I had my feet firmly on the ground and that I had the country behind me when I did that show. And I think Jac is a very humble and good person, which is the sort of personality the role requires.
You’ve done lots of musical theatre since the 90s. What have been your favourites?
The musical that was a magical moment for me was Priscilla Queen of the Desert [in 2009]. It was such an incredible production and they spent so much money on the bus, the set and the costumes. There have been certain times in my career where I’ve looked around and gone ‘Wow! I’m in a different league here! This is as good as it’s gonna get’. The Rocky Horror Show was another good one. There have been some dodgy ones too but [laughs] we won’t talk about those.
Looking back on your early pop career, what were your highlights from that time?
It was a dream come true for me to have a number one single in this country, the year’s biggest selling album and to be meeting people I’d looked up to. I think you create your own luck in life but I was in a TV series that was massively successful so luck is one thing but timing is also really important. With the success of Neighbours I was looking towards other things and at the time I was watching what Kylie was doing because I was always fascinated by pop music. I saw what she was doing and I said ‘I’d like a bit of that’. Then Stock Aitken Waterman came along and off it went. I think once people hear a song that’s sort of the soundtrack to them growing up - like Too Many Broken Hearts, Especially for You and Any Dream Will Do, which are my three biggest hits - it becomes part of their lives. Those songs to this day are keeping me alive and ultimately I think that’s why singers want pop hits because they never leave you.
How do you feel about the demise of Neighbours?
I think it’s sad but it’s time to celebrate its success. It’s sad that it’s coming to an end but we should be grateful for the life it’s had and the opportunities it’s given all of us.
Did you ever imagine you’d become a national treasure in the UK?
No because in Australia America is a bigger part of our entertainment sphere. Coming to Britain was never part of the plan as such but it quickly became the plan. The opportunity was enormous here and I took it.
When were you last on tour and what are you most looking forward to about getting back out there with Joseph?
I did my own Even More Good Reasons tour before Christmas and I had a few more dates to finish in recent weeks. But Joseph is my first time touring in a theatrical sense in a long time and I think it’s great the show is getting out there because it’s such a fantastic production. I miss being at home but the good thing about this particular show is that I’m not going to be stressed out too much because I don’t have lots to do in it. I’ve spent years doing shows where you drag yourself in for the matinee and it’s like ‘Off we go again’. It’s sometimes a hard slog but I don’t feel anxious about this one. I’m enjoying it because I’m not exhausted by it. It’s a win-win for me.
Absolutely. It’s such an uplifting show and it feels relevant to the world we’re living in right now to a certain degree, since it’s about overcoming adversity and having self-belief. It’s part of this country’s DNA in a way and this tour is the West End production put into local theatres so it’s a version of the show many people won’t have seen before.
The London Palladium production was one of the first to open to full capacity after Covid restrictions. What was the atmosphere like?
We were all so emotional about that. It was a difficult and anxious time, of course, because you never quite knew where you stood in terms of testing every day and having to isolate if someone tested positive and you’d been around them. As you can imagine, with theatre that’s very hard but having full houses again was amazing.
This is your third go-round as Pharaoh. What keeps pulling you back in?
There’s so much history with Joseph for me and I was originally asked about recreating the role of Joseph himself. That didn’t come to fruition for a number of reasons and trying to recreate what I’d done in 1991 all these years later with me in my 50s was a bit of a non-starter anyway. But I was keen to be part of it and when the opportunity to play Pharaoh came along I took it without thinking too much about it. It sort of works, you know? The song comes in Act Two and it’s a bit of a show-stealer. Because of my association with the show I think it only increases the value of that moment and makes it more powerful.
You’re still in fantastic shape. What’s your regime?
I wouldn’t say I’m in top physical condition but if I’m going into town I’ll ride my bike and I try and get in a swim and a steam each day. I’m also a bit OCD so I’m always cleaning the house. Going up and down the stairs is enough to keep the fitness levels up to a certain degree.
A lot of people are introduced to Joseph through school productions. Was that the case with you?
I knew the piece but I wasn’t aware of the currency of the show in the UK until I was in it. It’s not really a big title in Australia. It’s known and I hear it may be heading there in the next year or so but it wasn’t big in schools, at least not when I was growing up.
It’s been going strong over here since the early 70s. Why do you think audiences still love it?
It’s a very simple show with a very clear message. It was Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s first real outing as writers and it’s quite unique because that sort of greatness is often born out of raw talent. [Laughs] When I first heard Any Dream Will Do I thought it was a cheesy lullaby but everyone told me if I recorded it it would be a massive hit. I didn’t believe them but to this day I can go out and sing it at one of those retro festivals like Rewind and Let’s Rock and the place goes nuts. And it’s not kids who are going nuts, it’s adults.
Jac Yarrow plays Joseph now. Having originally played the role yourself, how do you rate him as a performer?
He’s a very well-polished performer. He’s incredibly talented and he’s a great singer, and he’s got a lot of energy. It’s a different show to the one I did back in the 90s. It’s hard to compare the two and it’s hard to compare the two of us as performers, but he’s a great guy and I think the innocence and the spirit of Joseph is not only in the character but also in the person who is playing him. I’d like to think that back in the day I had my feet firmly on the ground and that I had the country behind me when I did that show. And I think Jac is a very humble and good person, which is the sort of personality the role requires.
You’ve done lots of musical theatre since the 90s. What have been your favourites?
The musical that was a magical moment for me was Priscilla Queen of the Desert [in 2009]. It was such an incredible production and they spent so much money on the bus, the set and the costumes. There have been certain times in my career where I’ve looked around and gone ‘Wow! I’m in a different league here! This is as good as it’s gonna get’. The Rocky Horror Show was another good one. There have been some dodgy ones too but [laughs] we won’t talk about those.
Looking back on your early pop career, what were your highlights from that time?
It was a dream come true for me to have a number one single in this country, the year’s biggest selling album and to be meeting people I’d looked up to. I think you create your own luck in life but I was in a TV series that was massively successful so luck is one thing but timing is also really important. With the success of Neighbours I was looking towards other things and at the time I was watching what Kylie was doing because I was always fascinated by pop music. I saw what she was doing and I said ‘I’d like a bit of that’. Then Stock Aitken Waterman came along and off it went. I think once people hear a song that’s sort of the soundtrack to them growing up - like Too Many Broken Hearts, Especially for You and Any Dream Will Do, which are my three biggest hits - it becomes part of their lives. Those songs to this day are keeping me alive and ultimately I think that’s why singers want pop hits because they never leave you.
How do you feel about the demise of Neighbours?
I think it’s sad but it’s time to celebrate its success. It’s sad that it’s coming to an end but we should be grateful for the life it’s had and the opportunities it’s given all of us.
Did you ever imagine you’d become a national treasure in the UK?
No because in Australia America is a bigger part of our entertainment sphere. Coming to Britain was never part of the plan as such but it quickly became the plan. The opportunity was enormous here and I took it.
When were you last on tour and what are you most looking forward to about getting back out there with Joseph?
I did my own Even More Good Reasons tour before Christmas and I had a few more dates to finish in recent weeks. But Joseph is my first time touring in a theatrical sense in a long time and I think it’s great the show is getting out there because it’s such a fantastic production. I miss being at home but the good thing about this particular show is that I’m not going to be stressed out too much because I don’t have lots to do in it. I’ve spent years doing shows where you drag yourself in for the matinee and it’s like ‘Off we go again’. It’s sometimes a hard slog but I don’t feel anxious about this one. I’m enjoying it because I’m not exhausted by it. It’s a win-win for me.
Michael Harrison and the Really Useful Group are delighted to announce that direct from two triumphant seasons at The London Palladium, the sensational brand-new production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat comes to the Cliffs Pavillion, Southend from Monday 26th September to Saturday 1st October. Alexandra Burke stars as Narrator, once again sharing a stage with Jason Donovan who reprises the role of Pharaoh that he previously performed at the London Palladium in 2019 and 2021, and Jac Yarrow, who is preparing to don the famous coat in the titular role on tour following a sensational summer season for the trio in London’s West End.
Alexandra Burke will play Narrator in the celebrated musical. Her many West End credits include the lead roles in The Bodyguard, Sister Act, Chess and Chicago. Alexandra first rose to fame winning The X-Factor in 2008, and has since gone on to sell over 5 million records. She’ll also make her movie debut in the film Pretty Red Dress next year.
Alexandra Burke will play Narrator in the celebrated musical. Her many West End credits include the lead roles in The Bodyguard, Sister Act, Chess and Chicago. Alexandra first rose to fame winning The X-Factor in 2008, and has since gone on to sell over 5 million records. She’ll also make her movie debut in the film Pretty Red Dress next year.
Jason Donovan will return in the role of Pharaoh. He was originally in the show when he made his defining stage performance as the title character of Joseph in the 1990s, in a sold-out 18-month run which produced a No.1 single and best-selling soundtrack album. Jason raised the roof of the London Palladium during the show’s 2019 and 2021 engagements as Pharaoh, who rocks ‘Song of the King’ in the musical.
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Jac Yarrow caused a sensation when he made his professional stage debut playing Joseph, following in the footsteps of a line of stars who have previously played the title character. His portrayal of Joseph won him unanimous acclaim and an Olivier Award nomination, with his rendition of ‘Close Every Door To Me’ regularly stopping the show with standing ovations.
Producer Michael Harrison says of today’s announcement: “After two sensational runs at The London Palladium, I am delighted to bring this joyous show to the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend next autumn as JOSEPH prepares to unite audiences and spread happiness across the UK. Our ‘dream team’ casting will enchant newcomers and longstanding fans alike; Jac Yarrow has wowed audiences and critics with his spectacular debut and attendees should be prepared for the roof to be raised when Jason Donovan steps on stage. Alexandra Burke is confirmed to return to her much-applauded role as Narrator when we perform in Southend, having warmed the hearts of theatre-goers at the London Palladium this summer. GO! GO! GO! JOSEPH!" |
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Audiences and critics were unanimous in their acclaim for the legendary musical - the first major collaboration by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber – when it returned to the London Palladium in 2019 and again in 2021.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is directed by Laurence Connor. Laurence’s credits include the acclaimed London production of School of Rock and the Tony-Award nominated production on Broadway, the recent London productions of Miss Saigon and Chess, the international arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar and he is also the Co-Director of the new version of Les Misérables which has enjoyed worldwide success including Broadway, UK and US tours. He is the director of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of Cinderella at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.
JoAnn M Hunter (who has 20 Broadway shows to her credit, including School of Rock and On A Clear Day You Can See Forever) is the show’s choreographer, set and costume design are by the award-winning Morgan Large with Ben Cracknell as Lighting Designer and Gareth Owen as Sound Designer.
Released as a concept album in 1969, the stage version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has become one of the world’s most beloved family musicals. The multi-award-winning show, which began life as a small-scale school concert, has been performed hundreds of thousands of times including multiple runs in the West End and on Broadway, international number one tours, and productions in over 80 countries as far afield as Austria and Zimbabwe and from Israel to Peru! The show features songs that have gone on to become pop and musical theatre standards, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door To Me, Jacob and Sons, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go Go Go Joseph.
Told entirely through song with the help of the Narrator, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat follows the story of Jacob’s favourite son Joseph and his eleven brothers. After being sold into hardship by the brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled showman, the Pharaoh. As Joseph strives to resolve Egypt’s famine, he becomes Pharaoh’s right-hand man and eventually reunites with his family.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is produced by Michael Harrison.
Due to public demand an additional performance has now been added at 2.30PM on THU 29 SEPT. Alexandra Burke and Jason Donovan will not be appearing for this performance, and the role of the Narrator will be played by Rochelle Sherona and Pharaoh will be played by Matt Gibson.
For further information, please see www.josephthemusical.com
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is directed by Laurence Connor. Laurence’s credits include the acclaimed London production of School of Rock and the Tony-Award nominated production on Broadway, the recent London productions of Miss Saigon and Chess, the international arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar and he is also the Co-Director of the new version of Les Misérables which has enjoyed worldwide success including Broadway, UK and US tours. He is the director of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of Cinderella at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.
JoAnn M Hunter (who has 20 Broadway shows to her credit, including School of Rock and On A Clear Day You Can See Forever) is the show’s choreographer, set and costume design are by the award-winning Morgan Large with Ben Cracknell as Lighting Designer and Gareth Owen as Sound Designer.
Released as a concept album in 1969, the stage version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has become one of the world’s most beloved family musicals. The multi-award-winning show, which began life as a small-scale school concert, has been performed hundreds of thousands of times including multiple runs in the West End and on Broadway, international number one tours, and productions in over 80 countries as far afield as Austria and Zimbabwe and from Israel to Peru! The show features songs that have gone on to become pop and musical theatre standards, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door To Me, Jacob and Sons, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go Go Go Joseph.
Told entirely through song with the help of the Narrator, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat follows the story of Jacob’s favourite son Joseph and his eleven brothers. After being sold into hardship by the brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled showman, the Pharaoh. As Joseph strives to resolve Egypt’s famine, he becomes Pharaoh’s right-hand man and eventually reunites with his family.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is produced by Michael Harrison.
Due to public demand an additional performance has now been added at 2.30PM on THU 29 SEPT. Alexandra Burke and Jason Donovan will not be appearing for this performance, and the role of the Narrator will be played by Rochelle Sherona and Pharaoh will be played by Matt Gibson.
For further information, please see www.josephthemusical.com
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JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
PRODUCTION INFORMATION Director Laurence Connor Choreographer JoAnn M Hunter Set and Costume Designer Morgan Large Lighting Designer Ben Cracknell Sound Designer Gareth Owen Hair, Wig & Make Up Designer Richard Mawbey Musical Supervisor John Rigby Casting Director Stuart Burt Children’s Casting Director Joanne Hawes Cliffs Pavilion, Southend Performance Dates Monday 26th September – Saturday 1st October 2022 For further information, please see www.josephthemusical.com |
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