Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

This musical retelling of the story of Joseph, the favourite son of Jacob, has added flair to the original biblical story. Joseph is sold into slavery by his envious brothers but his ability to foretell the future through his vivid dreams leads to his rise from prison, acceptance by the pharaoh and final reconciliation by his suffering brothers. This type of musical, where there is very little spoken dialogue through-out, is far more challenging and Mousetrap Theatre has risen to that challenge.

Carmen Heath, the director, has developed a very good ensemble of thirty performers who maintained the interpretation very well from the introduction with the young performers in the prologue to the final song. She managed the  many scene locations with simple set changes, good movement and very effective representative costumes. Byron Philp brought the music to life. Critically, the narrator was played and sung by Elissa Holswich, whose voice was clear and expressive. The other key role was that of Joseph, Byron Philp. He looked the part really well with a suitable voice but at time his acting was a little too stoic. Liam Hartley’s presentation as an Elvis Presley Pharaoh brought the house down.

The full house enjoyed the very good ensemble work. This production of Joseph is very highly recommended.

William Davies