Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Review, Nov 2023 - National Operatic and Dramatic Society (NODA)

SET: The set was two sets of bleachers that moved apart to make an entrance/exit at the rear of the stage. The backdrop being a technicolour brightly lit pyramid of colour. The use of the stage in this way made room for the large cast. The focus was therefore on lighting and costumes. 

COSTUMES: Costumes were fantastic, brightly coloured and varied in style from traditional biblical to modern and all were vibrant, well fitting and suited to their characters. There must have been some very quick changes due to doubling up of characters and scene changes. The narrators were in black and this was a good contrast to the colourful characters within the story.

Joseph’s coat was indeed amazing and the 29 colours were displayed in full glory in one of the cleverly choreographed dance routines.

THE PRODUCTION: Although this was a relaxed performance with slightly reduced sound volume and some adaptations to the script and lighting, it did not diminish the energy, exuberance and enthusiasm of the cast who worked hard and kept the pace up throughout the show. There was an almost party atmosphere during this sumptuous and fun filled production. All the performances oozed with personality and a certain amount of light-hearted mischief, its almost impossible to single out any individual. However, Ian ‘Spud’ Smith as Pharoah deserves a special mention, particularly as he clearly relished the role and his Elvis number was simply joyful.

The music provided by the live musicians under the direction of Jonathan Eio was never less than perfect and this complemented the tuneful singing of the cast. The intricate choreography from Director, Louise Travis and co-choreographer Luannsa Goodman was first class, varied in style and executed with precision. This biblical story was told with lightness and humour but there were also serious, important themes running through as well, such as sibling rivalry and the perils of greed and pride.

Well done BATS on making this theatrical experience inclusive and therefore open to an audience who may have been enjoying live performance for the first time. 

Chris Horton
District 14 Regional Representative
National Operatic and Dramatic Society (NODA)

Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Review, Nov 2023 - It's All An Act

I had the unique opportunity to attend a rehearsal of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by the outstanding cast of Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society and directed by Louise Travis. Despite being a rehearsal, the performance was already incredible, showcasing raw talent that promises to be even more breath-taking with the addition of music, lights and scenery.

Highlights

The Potiphar Scene brought a fascinating clockwork orange vibe, adding a unique touch to the production.

The integration of narrators with the characters, particularly the brothers, was a brilliant choice, providing a fresh perspective on the storytelling.

The choreography was outstanding, effectively utilising the space and engaging the audience.

The well-rehearsed children added a delightful dimension to the production, contributing to a great overall sound.

Character Performances

Joseph: While well-sung, there seemed to be a bit of holding back, and I wished for more depth in the portrayal of light and dark throughout the performance as Joseph goes on a rollercoaster of a journey.

Jacob: Though lively, I felt he appeared a tad too sprightly for a father of 12 sons, particularly in the dance numbers. I understand the need for the involvement especially within the dance numbers but didn’t believe the age of the character.

Pharaoh: Surprisingly kind, lacking the expected arrogance, which offered an interesting take on the character. Working more as a crowd pleaser than a ruler.

The Potiphar’s: Potiphar’s ‘roar’ was appreciated, along with the aggressive nature that was to be expected with this character and Mrs. Potiphar effectively conveyed discomfort and tension in her scenes with Joseph and the audience.

Group Performances

The brothers showcased individual characters, each distinct, even while competing with their flowing locks. Those Canaan Days sung in acapella was just *Chef’s Kiss* and gave me goose bumps.

The wives’ inclusion was a lovely touch, providing great routines and support to the brothers even with all the quick changes demanding them.

The ensemble, including the angels, provided seamless support, singing as one. The angels sang cohesively, contributing to the ethereal atmosphere. The Ishmaelites added a delightful visual dynamic to the show. The Baker and the Butler, portrayed by Sally Manning and Laura Hughes respectively, took me by surprise with their vocal prowess. Their unexpected vocal abilities added an extra layer to the ensemble, showcasing their talent in a way that pleasantly caught me off guard. If you go to see this production, you’ll certainly understand what I mean when the Baker and the Butler open their mouths.

Observations

Due to unforeseen illness, only two narrators were singing, which was handled well and still made an amazing sound.

Lightning couldn’t be commented on directly due to the rehearsal venue, but set pictures and videos indicated a visually stunning production.

The costumes, which I got to see most of was great as this show can be very confusing with the different time settings and trying to figure out which route to go down, but feel they got it just right.

In conclusion, this rehearsal of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat provided a captivating glimpse into what promises to be an exceptional performance. The dedication of the cast and the creative choices made already set the stage for a truly memorable show. For those fortunate enough to attend, this production is sure to offer a magical experience at the theatre.

Jaz Wilson
It’s All An Act

Ian “Spud” Smith plays The Pharaoh

“I’ve missed it – big time!” Ian Smith, known universally as Spud, is speaking about his return to the stage in the show-stopping role of the Elvis-like Pharaoh in BATS’ production of the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Ian ‘Spud’ Smith

Spud joined BATS in 1997 for Me and My Girl and has been involved in 47 shows since, playing roles like Bill Sikes in Oliver!, Jud Fry in Oklahoma! and the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, as well as working backstage. But Joseph is the first time he’s been in front of an audience for a while.

“I had some health challenges,” Spud explains. “And if I was going to come back it had to be a part I really wanted to do. Years ago I was stage manager when BATS Next Gen (our sister Society) did Joseph, and I thought it would be a lovely show to do if it was ever available for adult groups to perform.”

What clinched it for Spud was his son Ruben being cast as one of the children’s choir in the current BATS production.

“If he wanted to do it – I wanted to do it,” says Spud. “And so far I’ve been to every rehearsal. I love watching it all come together, plus it’s useful as I can stand in for people if they’re absent.”

The night before we spoke, Spud had performed Pharaoh’s song Elvis-style with the cast for the very first time. How did it go?

“I gave it about 75%,” says Spud modestly. “You’d have to ask everyone else what they thought of it!”

Spud as Cowardly Lion in our production of The Wizard of Oz, November 2014

And just like Elvis’s glorious Las Vegas comeback in the ‘70’s, Spud’s comeback to BATS promises to be a memorable occasion!

“Apparently, I’m wearing the Elvis jumpsuit,” says Spud of his costume. “And after wearing a very figure-hugging outfit as the gold egg whisk in Beauty and the Beast back in 2010, it holds no fear!”

See Spud in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Haymarket, Basingstoke from 14-19 November 2023. Book tickets online.

Not One, but Three Narrators for Joseph!

“Strange as it seems, there’s been a lot of crazy dreams…” Tingles run down the spine as three female singers harmonise beautifully in a lovely moment from Joseph and the Amazing Techicolor Dreamcoat. The voices belong to Kirsty Kingham, Laura Newborough and Eronwy Selwyn, who play the three Narrators in BATS’ production.

Wait a minute - three? Wasn’t there just one in the original show?

“There aren’t that many female roles in Joseph,” says Laura, “so this casting choice gives more opportunities. Our director Louise Travis made us all sing together in the audition. We had to harmonise on the line “letting out a mighty roar!” and when she heard that she gave us all the part!”

Sharing the role doesn’t mean it’s one-third of the work for each of them though!

“We’re all on stage, all the time, interacting with the other characters and of course we’ve been working out new harmonies,” says Laura.

“Plus trying to remember which lines I DON’T sing,” adds Eronwy, “which is quite difficult when you’re used to singing along to the single narrator on the soundtrack recording!”

Kirsty’s bugbear has been learning the correct order of the 29 colours in the song about Joseph’s titular coat.

“Laura and I made up a story behind the colours and drew pictures so I could visualise it. It starts with the sun which is red and yellow - then comes down to earth, which is green and brown, and so on. It seems to be working!”

Kirsty Kingham

Laura Newborough

Eronwy Selwyn

How would each of the narrators describe the others?

“We’re definitely very different personalities!” says Eronwy.

“Eronwy is the powerhouse belter!” offers Laura. “Kirsty is more of a drama queen who can’t help hogging centre stage!”

“Except when it’s a dance number when I make sure Eronwy’s in the middle!” laughs Kirsty. “And for me, Laura is the Hermione Grainger of the narrators, trying to keep me in check! I’m in awe of them both!”

Being in Joseph is a “crazy dream” for all three performers.

“Everyone I’ve spoken to says “I love Joseph” because it reminds them of their childhood,” says Laura. “A lot of them saw Jason Donovan, or Donny Osmond in the film, or more recently Lee Mead or Jac Yarrow.”

“It’s the first show I was taken to see when I was six months old - it was my sister’s school production,” says Eronwy. “And I have very fond memories of seeing it with my Dad - I remember him dancing in the aisles during the Joseph Megamix!”

“It’s just so colourful! The music is really catchy, in lots of different styles, it’s funny, it’s loved by all generations and certainly for me, it’s a show that brings families together.”

See Kirsty, Laura and Eronwy in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Haymarket, Basingstoke from 14-19 November 2023. Book tickets online.

Rent Review, May 2023 - NODA

SET AND PROPERTIES: The set, a multi level steel structure, was practical and made good use of the space; part of the upper level housed the orchestra. Tables were moved around and used in various scenes. Props were well used – even the candles which can be notoriously badly behaved in live theatre!

THE PROGRAMME: The programme was in A4 format, glossy and gave clear and interesting information about the production, background and planning with photos and information about the cast. There was a Chairman’s message as well as information about their future production and how to get involved with the group.

COSTUMES: The costumes were many and impressive ranging from Angels’ outrageous drag outfits to the cow costume for Maureen’s avant-garde performance in ‘Hey Diddle Diddle’. The Bohemians were dressed relevant to the period and location.

LIGHTING AND SOUND: The lighting was effective throughout, well controlled and varied in accordance with the nature of the emotion in the scenes such as gloomy lighting when there was an air of desperation or lighter and more colourful when the mood and musical numbers were more upbeat. The sound from the orchestra was first class and the voices were clear and blended well with the level of the music. There was clever ‘miming’ when a guitarist in the orchestra played but gave the impression that the actor was the one strumming. The music throughout was of the highest calibre.

THE PRODUCTION: This was a very polished production from the opening scene to the end when the characters reflect on living life in the moment and cherishing the time they have left. The message of the show was evident from the energy and commitment of the performers. There were some stellar solos as well as ensemble performances: Angel’s high energy and phenomenal entrance was amazing and Maureen’s Tango being just two of the highlights. Everyone was totally engaged and absorbed into their characters and this was complemented by the excellent live music. BATS have performed many shows and this production shows BATS at their very best with core roles for a good number of actors and therefore opportunities for many to shine. The direction, music and technical and creative team worked hard to ensure the success of this vibrant, sometimes sombre and thought provoking show. 

Chris Horton
District 14 Regional Representative
National Operatic and Dramatic Society (NODA)