mytravelbugbite

The 2016 tour of Joseph has recently played at the Leeds Grand Theatre. The only other times I have seen this were in the film and a schools production both of which I quite enjoyed.

For this production Joe McElderry, winner of the UK X Factor, takes on the role of Joseph and Lucy Kay, who was apparently on Britain’s Got Talent, plays the narrator. Both have decent singing voices and do the music justice however both also lack much emotional depth to their roles, it was a little wooden at times. The chorus were high energy throughout with frenetic choreography.

The production was as bright and colourful as the title of the show, sometimes a little too much, so much so it felt trippy. I also feel the musical director could have done with moving things along a bit. The odd slower section adds impact but when almost every other line is done at snail’s pace it just makes things feel like they’re dragging (especially the narrator and Josephs’ songs).

I really wanted to like this production, but something just didn’t click with me. It seemed childish and although it wasn’t terrible, I am glad I didn’t pay to see it. If you do decide you would like to go and see it, further tour dates are available from the website.

Have you seen this production of Joseph? What were your thoughts?