CRAIG CHALMERS

DUNFERMLINE PRESS
Vibrant and Feel-Good Show at the Alhambra
20 May 2010, by Gary Fitzpatrick

FOR the second time since the reopening of the Alhambra, crowds have been flocking to the theatre this week to enjoy the grand spectacle of a West End musical.

It may be 40 years since Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber created 'Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' but the enthusiasm and energy of this production has breathed fresh life into it.

Whereas the previous Bill Kenwright musical, 'Blood Brothers', was a gritty, often dark tale set in the Liverpool of just a few years ago, 'Joseph' is unashamed feel-good fun, even if it does tell the story of a dysfunctional family where the favourite son is sold off as a slave by his brothers.

The story may be set in the Old Testament but it veers off on a journey which allows set-piece sing-along numbers, quickly switching between country 'n' western, Caribbean calypso, Paris accordion and various other genres.

There are inflatable sheep and even Elvis makes an appearance briefly grabbing the limelight away from Joseph.

The audience were having a great time and getting more and more involved as the show reached its colourful climax, the unveiling of the dreamcoat, with the cast dancing in the aisles.

Having a Scottish 'Joseph' was an added bonus for the Dunfermline audience and Craig Chalmers is a natural in the role which he is about to give up after three years.

The cast is vibrant, exuberant and has wonderful backing from the children's choir which remains on stage throughout.

All in all, Joseph provides great family entertainment and Tuesday night's audience roared its approval.

Taking on the challenging role of Pharaoh, Lachlan Scheuber did well to bring a charismatic flavour of The King to the stage, setting the second half alight with his vibrant hip-thrusting personality and bringing the audience to its feet during the Joseph Megamix finale.

Trina Hill's narrator was one of the most popular to have toured with the

production in recent times.

And all 11 brothers blended well in both harmony and their attempts to rid the family of the more favourable younger son.

Like most productions, this Joseph was energetic, exciting and lots of fun to watch.

ABOUT MY AREA - PORTSMOUTH

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Kings Rivals the West End

Author: Liz Valette Published 22nd April 2010

It's not often you hear that a show at the King's Theatre is better than the West End version but these are the comments from the audience after Monday's opening of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The original 70's "Joseph" has been given a 21st century makeover.

Finalist in the TV talent contest 'Any Dream Will Do', Craig Chalmers has a fantastic singing voice. Following in the footsteps of well known household names such as Jason Donovan, Donny Osmond, Philip Schofield and Gareth Gates, he wowed the audience with his charming interpretation.

Craig may not have actually won the talent show contest but it hasn't done his career any harm as he has been touring the length and breadth of the country with this dazzling show.

Joseph has hardly any spoken dialogue but the brilliant songs, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, are very clever and tell the story well.

The most well know, 'Any Dream Will Do' was easy to sing along to with the audience joining in as well as clapping and tapping their feet. There were no well known names but the youthful, enthusiastic cast put on a great performance.

Mrs Potiphar, a long legged femme fatale in a skimpy, sexy red dress and high heels, the Four Handmaidens and all the brothers provide an energetic ensemble featuring some slick, high kicking dance routines and comedy sketches.

Not only was there a flowing technicolour dream coat, there was a technicolour set and technicolour lighting too.

Watch out for the pop up woolly sheep, singing camels, Frenchmen in berets and a fantastic Elvis Pharaoh!

The actual show whizzed by but the spectacular finale ensured that all the favourites were revisited and had the audience on their feet.

THE NEWS
www.Portsmouth.co.uk

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

At the Kings Theatre, Southsea

20 April 2010. By Mike Allen

It begins with quietly-sung storytelling and ends in a mini rock concert.

In between, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat does what it says on the tin. Amazes. In Technicolor.

How could a show originally intended by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be a 15-minute cantata for schools have been turned into a two-hour musical that never seems a moment too long?

And how can it have blazed back into the Kings Theatre at Southsea last night with even more pizzazz than last time, with more visual comedy?

Think sheep. Think Joseph as One More Angel In Heaven.

Of course the musical is shamelessly derivative but that is part of the fun - especially in the calypso scene.

Craig Chalmers came only fifth in Lloyd Webber's Any Dream Will Do TV casting show but is a winner in Bill Kenwright's production.

Most importantly he portrays Joseph's changing character more thoroughly than many others have done - from preening arrogance to despair, anger, renewed pride and ultimate forgiveness.

In what can seem a trite story, for all that it is taken from the Book of Genesis, he makes that final section genuinely poignant, especially the recognition scene with his brothers and the reunion with their father.

And vocally Chalmers is well up to the job of leading the ensemble. He builds an impressive head of dramatic steam in the despairing Close Ev'ry Door To Me.

In the voice and moves of the impressive Lachlan Scheuber, Pharaoh's big set-piece number is the show-stopper it has to be.

Chalmers makes as if to respond in kind before stuttering nervously to a halt in the face of Pharaoh's glare.

Contrastingly, Trina Hill mostly sings with light, bright purity as the narrator but allows her voice to darken when required.

One obvious false entry last night was less serious than the fact that she was the chief sufferer from a sound level so high it hurt the ears at times.

Sets, costumes, lighting and high-energy dancing enrich the Technicolor effect and the children's chorus proved itself to be not only well-drilled but responsive to the demands for changing moods.

The Kings, which was rocking noisily at the end last night, will stage two further performances daily until Friday and three on Saturday.

CHICHESTER OBSERVER

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,
Kings Theatre, Southsea

Published Date: 19 April 2010. By Phil Hewitt

What you can possibly say about Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat that hasn't been said a billion times before?

It's bright, breezy and utterly brilliant, the perfect musical, a tonic which will lift your spirits and charm your socks off all at the very same time.

There can't be any other musical which offers such an engaging wit and range in the music, all the way from calypso to chanson via Elvis and cowboy with plenty else in between. "All those things you saw in your pyjamas are a long-range forecast for your farmers" has got to be one of the best lines ever written in a musical.

Add to that a dynamic orchestra, a children's choir (in this case featuring youngsters from The Theatre Workshop Stage School Chichester) and an endlessly-energetic cast of brothers and handmaidens etc, and you've got the perfect platform for Joseph to dazzle.

And dazzle he certainly does, in this instance in the shape of Any Dream Will Do Finalist Craig Chalmers, an easy-on-the-eye Joseph who plays it straight down the middle with boundless appeal.

The very best Josephs are the ones that offer the nuances. The incomparable Richard Swerrun a few years ago gave the role an arrogant swagger; he gave it heart-felt despair in the prison scene; and there was real anger when he challenged his brothers.

Chalmers goes instead for unwavering niceness - and why not. His evident enjoyment is infectious, and he's absolutely in his element in the extended finale in which the brothers come dancing out into the aisles.

The story over, the entire cast milk it shamelessly and justifiably, offering a superb mini Joseph concert to send us home happy, mugged by the cheeriest, most enjoyable show on the circuit.

THE NEWS Portsmouth.co.uk
Now Joseph has an amazing Portsmouth themed dreamcoat!

Published Date: 8 April 2010. By Fran Duckett-Pike

Portsmouth's very own Technicolor Dreamcoat is being made to celebrate all the city has to offer.

Staff at the Kings Theatre decided to mark the forthcoming run of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by creating a Portsmouth-themed version of the coat.

And each patch has been inspired by the city, with pictures of the Spinnaker Tower, sealife creatures, Portsmouth Football Club and the Kings Theatre itself beautifully crafted on the garment.

The patches have been made by school pupils, local Brownie and Guide groups and artists, as well as volunteers from the theatre.
They were stitched on by seamstress Jan Quartermain, also a volunteer at the Kings.

Sandra Smith, from the theatre, said: 'We thought it would be nice for Portsmouth to have its own Technicolor Dreamcoat.

'It is quite intricate. There are a lot of people involved in this. We contacted local groups and we'd like to say a big thank-you for their efforts.

'It is all Portsmouth-themed. Jan made the coat and then put the patches on. We have about a dozen so far and we are still waiting for a few.'

Jan, who has volunteered at the Kings for 10 months, said of the coat: 'It was very hard work as I broke my arm just before I made it.

'It was lovely to see the patches that the children had made.
'I know they are dying to see the end result.
'I was pleased with the quality of the patches - they were delightful.'

Leading man Craig Chalmers, from BBC's Any Dream Will Do, will try on the finished coat when he comes to the Kings for the opening night on Monday, April 19.

It will then be displayed in the Albert Road theatre and may be auctioned later. The first night is sponsored by The News as part of its continuing support of the theatre.

DAILY POST

Review: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at Rhyl Pavilion
Mar 9 2010 By Joanne Roberts

When I was asked, "How do you fancy going to see Craig Chalmers get his kit off?" I didn't take much persuading. So I went along to the opening night of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat' at the Rhyl Pavilion, and I wasn't disappointed.

Craig Chalmers made a very convincing Joseph, he had a hard act to follow, in the footsteps of Jason Donovan, Donny Osmond, Philip Schofield and Gareth Gates who have all previously played the role of Joseph. He had a great singing voice and he did look pretty impressive in his loin cloth.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is based around the biblical story of Jacob and his sons. Joseph is Jacob's favourite son, which irritates the other brothers and Joseph doesn't do himself any favours by telling his brothers about his dreams, which always seem to be about how they will bow down to him sometime in the future. They finally lose their patience with him when he is singled out by their father and given the coat of many colours. They come up with a plan to get rid of him for good, they sell him to a slave trader who takes him to Egypt. After many years, his dreams help him save the country from famine, and he returns to his family where his brothers, do indeed, bow down to him.

Bill Kenwright's brilliant production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's and Tim Rice's enjoyable family musical has been wowing audiences across the world for many years and continues to entertain both young and old alike. This fabulous show features a variety of well known songs including, probably the most memorable, 'Any Dream Will Do', Joseph's Dream and Go, Go, Go Joseph. The singing and dancing is energetic, and varied, with a surprising appearance from an' Egyptian Elvis', who did a great job of getting the audience to their feet.

I must give a special mention to Trina Hill, who has a very powerful singing voice and was excellent as the narrator. The whole cast was brilliant, they did a great job of switching from country line dancing to a bit of Caribbean salsa, and made the whole show very believable. Not having seen the show before, I was surprised that it was actually really funny, (look out for the blow up sheep), I was expecting something a bit more in-depth and serious, but there were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments which resulted in one of the best evenings I've spent at the theatre in a long time.

I'd recommend Joseph for a fun night out, full of laughter, music and great entertainment.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is at Rhyl Pavilion theatre until Saturday March 13th 2010

HENLEY STANDARD

A technicolor dream of a show

23 February 2010

PRODUCER/DIRECTOR Bill Kenwright brings his renowned production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to the Wycombe Swan this week.

I have seen many musicals over the years, but this one has eluded me. So like an over excited child I set off for High Wycombe really looking forward to a great show.

Joseph is the brainchild of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber and started life as a 20 minute school play for a few dozen reluctant parents in 1968. Some 42 years later you would be hard pushed to find anyone who hasn’t seen or heard of it. In 2007 it was given a new lease of life when Andrew Lloyd Webber and the BBC launched a national search to find a new star for the West End Show. Any Dream Will Do was the first in a series of collaborations with ‘The Lord’ to find new West End talent and this touring production features one of the finalists from the show.

Craig Chalmers finished in fifth place, but did enough to impress Bill Kenwright; theatre impresario and panel judge of Any Dream Will Do, and he subsequently offered Craig the lead role in the UK national tour. That was in August 2007 and Craig has been playing the part of Joseph to packed theatres and rave reviews ever since.
For those of you who have never seen Joseph, it is based on the Coat of Many Colors story of Joseph from the Hebrew Bible’s book of Genesis. In the musical version, Joseph is one of 11 brothers. Joseph’s brothers get very fed up when he, the second youngest and their father’s favourite, tells of his dreams which seem to always be about how they will all bow down to Joseph. They finally lose patience with him when their father singles out Joseph and gives him the fabulous coat of many colours.

Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery and fake his death to their father. He ends up in Egypt where he becomes a slave to the great Pharaoh. The Pharaoh’s young wife takes a fancy to the young and handsome Joseph and when he is caught with her he is flung into jail to rot. In jail a despondent Joseph interprets dreams of two of his fellow prisoners, Pharaohs’ butler and baker.

This dream interpreting is brought to the attention of the Pharaoh, who having dreams of his own, releases Joseph from jail and gives him power and status in the kingdom.

The conclusion of the story sees Joseph being reunited with his brothers and father. Even after the terrible way his brothers betrayed him, he found it in his heart to forgive them.

The story is told almost completely by song. In true Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice style the songs are up beat and powerful. Most are easily recognisable and the styles in which some of them are performed have you laughing and clapping along. The Elvis-impersonating Pharaoh was a particular favourite of mine.

PalmerStageSchool in High Wycombe.

Craig Chalmers who plays Joseph was outstanding, as was the narrator, Trina Hill. In fact, I couldn’t find fault with any of the performances.

I thoroughly enjoyed Joseph, as did my seven-year-old son. It appeals to all ages and I defy anyone not to have a great time watching this amazing show.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs until Saturday, February 27 at the Wycombe Swan.

GETBRACKNELL

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
By Amanda Woodard February 25, 2010
Wycombe Swan 22-27 February 2010

There's one line in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat that sums up this musical for so many: "We're so glad you came our way". There wasn't a spare seat in the house for the first night of this ever-popular show as Craig Chalmers took to the stage in his third year as the lead role.

The 27-year-old from Edinburgh only came fifth in the BBC TV show Any Dream Will Do but he defied that popular saying 'the winner takes it all' to be handed the role of Joseph for the 2007 UK tour and he's been treading the boards ever since.

However, this is not a one-man show. Trina Hall as the Narrator, Lachlan Scheuber as the Pharaoh and Richard J Hunt as Judah and the Baker lead the supporting cast with a huge amount of energy and stage presence as they take the show to the audience. From the moment the curtain goes up to the minute it goes down, the stage is buzzing with actors, dancers and a 30-strong junior choir who receive one of the biggest cheers of the evening from an audience packed with proud parents and grandparents.

During an evening that goes far too quickly there is plenty to enjoy including some laugh out loud moments that include the sudden appearance of some inflatable sheep, the first time Craig Chalmers appears in his 'mini-skirt' and the appearance of Craig as an angel complete with feathery wings.

Although the story of Joseph appeared for the first time several thousand years ago in the Bible, it is as relevant today as it was then. As the Egyptians enjoyed seven boom years they also planned ahead to ensure they had enough for the lean years.

How we could have done with a Government that was as prudent!

As we all struggle through the recession shouldering the biggest national debt in the country's history we can but look back at the boom years at the turn of the 21st century with something approaching envy.
However, by going to seeing Joseph you can forget your worries - for a couple of hours at least. As always, this is a dream of a show.

ST ALBANS & HARPENDEN REVIEW

Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Alban Arena****
Friday 29th January 2010
By Neil Skinner

Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat brings with it all the polished professionalism you’d reasonably expect of a West End show. Its production values are superb and its stars are at the very top of their game.
Bill Kenwright’s production of the much-loved Rice and Lloyd Webber musical admirably sweeps aside the many potential pitfalls of a touring production designed for bog-standard theatres nationwide.

A static but cleverly conceived set works perfectly well and any lingering doubts are blown away entirely by the top drawer performances by Joseph (Craig Chalmers) and Narrator (Tara Bethan) – both finalists in recent Lloyd-Webber sponsored BBC talent shows. Chalmers, who appeared to attract a boisterous teenage fanclub, more than did justice to the part, his impressive vocal range and stage presence belying his rather limp, boy band image. His touching rendition of Land of My Own was a personal highlight.

So too Bethan delivered a note perfect performance in one of the most challenging roles in musical theatre, hitting some astonishing highs along the way.

The only negative was the number of empty seats. I’d suggest, however, that this was more a comment on strained January finances than quality of performance.

DROITWICH SPA ADVERTISER

Review, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Festival Theatre, Malvern
Tuesday 19th January 2010

STILL doing the rounds and still simply amazing!

Joseph has been revealing his splendidly coloured coat for more years than I care to remember and the show’s appeal to audiences of all ages is showing no sign of abating because it provides such first class entertainment.
Judging by its latest return to Malvern the appeal and the enjoyment is still there in great abundance and there’s every reason to feel it will be welcomed on its rounds like an old friend for a good many years to come.

Brimming with energy, full of colour and with such memorable songs as Any Dream Will Do, audiences are never left feeling short-changed.

All of the cast were excellent including the children’s choir who were from the Jackie

Palmer StageSchool in High Wycombe.

Craig Chalmers who plays Joseph was outstanding, as was the narrator, Trina Hill. In fact, I couldn’t find fault with any of the performances.

I thoroughly enjoyed Joseph, as did my seven-year-old son. It appeals to all ages and I defy anyone not to have a great time watching this amazing show.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs until Saturday, February 27 at the Wycombe Swan.

CAMBRIDGE NEWS

Thousands watch city's Christmas lights switch-on

John Deex Published 17 December 2009

THOUSANDS turned out to watch Cambridge's Christmas lights switch-on today.
Crowds of screaming fans made their way to the Market Square to see singing star Craig Chalmers do the magic deed.
The singer, who was runner-up in the BBC’s Any Dream Will Do show, joined Father Christmas to press the illumination button.
Craig will be performing in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Corn Exchange this Christmas.

THE STAR, South Yorkshire

REVIEW: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
26 November 2009 By Claire Lewis

Lyceum Sheffield 24-29 November 2009

IT'S a tale as old as the Bible itself - and chances are you've seen it more times than Joseph had his dreams.

But thanks to Craig Chalmers in the lead role, and a colourful cast of supporting talent, this production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat still feels as fresh as the first time round.

Bill Kenwright's version of the ever popular Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical brings the Bible story to life in full technicolour glory, telling the tale of Joseph sold off into a life of slavery by his 11 jealous brothers, and languishing in prison before his talent for interpreting dreams catapults him into a position of power.

Despite the dark storyline the young, energetic cast sing and dance their way through the entire show, telling the tale in a fun and lighthearted way - making it ideal for families and the perfect introduction to musical theatre for children.

With bright lights, lively upbeat songs, comedy and an outstanding medley at the end the show, where members of the cast dance in the aisles with the audience, this feel-good show appeals to people of all ages.

And following in the footsteps of Jason Donovan, Donny Osmond, Phillip Schofield and Gareth Gates, who have all played the lead in London's West End, this touring version gives Craig Chalmers the chance to shine.

But he is no stranger to many Joseph fans, after fighting off competition from thousands of wannabes to land a place in the BBC talent show Any Dream Will Do. Despite losing out to Lee Mead, Craig
finished in the top five and won his place in the touring production.

And, if last night's performance is anything to go by, he is also winning the hearts of adoring audiences all over the country with his powerful renditions of hits including Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door.

Supported by the equally talented narrator Tara Bethan, and by his band of brothers, the stage is packed from start to finish with one powerful group performance after another - with the most memorable moment the scene in which Joseph swirls in his multicoloured coat, surrounding by his siblings.

Go, go, go Joseph!

SHEFFIELD TELEGRAPH

Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Lyceum Theatre
Published Date: 26 November 2009 by Sarah Dunn

IT'S a firm family favourite – and this latest production which arrived at the Lyceum this week certainly doesn't disappoint.
The audience is transported on a magical journey all over the world, as Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's production cleverly weaves together a show based on the bible story of Jacob and his 12 sons in an energetic and exciting way.
From Israel to
Egypt, via American cowboy songs (One More Angel in Heaven), Caribbean reggae (Benjamin Calypso) and gospel choirs (Go Go Go Joseph) - the production was fast-paced and extremely good fun.
Throw in a couple of TV talent show stars and you've ticked all the right boxes – particularly when you're dealing with this audience demographic.
Craig Chalmers, a finalist inthe BBC's Any Dream Will Do, is impressive in the title role – his boyish good looks also bound to make him a hit with the young girls in the audience.
And Tara Bethan as the narrator – herself a finalist in the I'd Do Anything show – shines just as brightly. She is word perfect throughout the long and complex script, managing to hit all the right notes and delivers the occasional one-liners with comic effect for the benefit of the more mature viewers.
There are also some local stars of the future alongside the talented cast, as members of the Stagecoach theatre schools in Sheffield and Chesterfield form a brilliant backing choir.
Although without the bell and whistles of many more recent musicals, where stunts have included everything from real rainfall to flying characters, the bold and bright sets and costumes are all that are needed in this classic.
By the final medley there were kids, parents and grannies clapping and singing along in the aisles, where they remained for a standing ovation in recognition of a production as dazzling as his coat of many colours.

THE TELEGRAPH & ARGUS

  That coat is back and Joseph amazes again
       Tuesday 17th November2009 By Emma Clayton

      Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
The Alhambra, Bradford November 2009

When you get a singing camel, comedy sheep, crooning cowboys, swooning cheerleaders and a hip-swivelling Pharoah sharing the same stage it could only mean one thing.

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s lively take on the Biblical tale of Joseph, his 11 brothers and that multi-coloured coat is in town once again.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has never been one of my favourites but it’s a great show for children, and this production had a mixed audience of children, pensioners and everyone in between, leaping to their feet.

The set was simple yet effective, with various backgrounds changing against a staircase, and the action raced along to a variety of musical styles, from country to gospel, twenties jazz to rock ‘n’ roll, colourful calypso to Parisian torch song.

The ever popular score, including Any Dream Will Do, Go, Go, Go Joseph and the crowd-pleaser Close Every Door was delivered with style by a talented cast. With his boyband looks prompting squeals of delight from the packed crowd, Craig Chalmers worked that Dreamcoat and proved himself a well-established Joseph.

Tara Bethan was a strong Narrator, on stage holding it all together practically the whole time, and Stephen Webb was suitably tongue-in-cheek as the sexy but vacant Pharaoh

His Elvis-in-Vegas turn, flanked by American footballers and cheerleaders, was a gem.

Henry Metcalfe was moving and formidable as Jacob and Potiphar, and great performances too from the handmaidens, and Joseph’s band of hunky brothers. Feelgood family fun.

DENBIGHSHIRE FREE PRESS

I closed my eyes, drew back the curtains...
Published date: 04 November 2009 by: Natalie Jones

Venue Cymru, Llandudno November 3 - 8. 2009

THE opening night of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat saw the audience up on their feet at Venue Cymru.
This was the first time I had seen this performance, and I was not disappointed.

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat tells the Biblical story of Joseph, his 11 brothers and the coat of many colours.

Filled with song, dance and colour the performance had audiences dances in the seats, aswell as the aisle's!

Joseph is played by the handsome Craig Chalmers, a finalist on the BBC competition Any Dream Will Do.
His voice is very powerful, and not one slip was heard throughout, quite an achievement when the whole play is in song!

Due to this, the audience is given direction by a singing narrator - step forward Llansannan’s own Tara Bethan.

And wow what a performance!
Tara is most recently known for appearing in the BBCs I’d Do Anything, a BBC programme to find the next Nancy to star in Oliver.
Unfortunately Tara was not successful in this competition, but that was Oliver’s loss and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’s gain!

Tara has an exceptional voice and again did not falter once.
Craig and Tara were joined on stage by Joseph’s 11 brothers, all bounding around the stage with again incredible voices.
The cast were all wonderful and the show was a truly powerful one.

Full of unforgettable songs including Any Dream Will Do, Close Ev’ry Door To Me and One More Angel
My only criticism would be the use of a microphone in the second part of the show.
The performances voices are so powerful that adding a microphone into the equation was almost deafening.
This show is full of song, dance, comedy, sheep and large camel heads! (don’t ask).

A must for musical fans.

CITY LIFE, Greater Manchester

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Palace Theatre, Manchester
October 20, 2009 by Katie Watkins

WITH its catchy tunes, technicolor sets and cheeky Craig Chalmers, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a colourful family night out.

Despite suffering from a throat infection, Craig, who came fifth in BBC’s Any Dream Will Do series to find a Joseph for the West End stage, charmed the audience.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice show tells the biblical story of Joseph and his journey from favoured son to slave to right-hand man of the Elvis-styled Pharaoh, played by Stephen Webb.
Bill Kenwright’s touring production is well suited to an audience made up mostly of families.

Throat infection
Silly props including cut-out cows and woolly sheep amused the children and while Craig is not the greatest singer or actor to have graced the stage, he brings a certaincharisma to the role. And he has the likeability factor.

Due to his throat infection some of the bigger notes in Close Every Door and Any Dream Will Do sounded strained, and by the end of the second act, his energy levels appeared to have dropped. Tara Bethan, of BBC’s I’d Do Anything, was a delightful narrator, her voice at its best during solos.

Craig revealed this week that he was determined to get a good review from the M.E.N after earlier less-than-enthusiatic appraisals.
Although critics might not have been his biggest fans the audience certainly loved him – giving him a standing ovation.

You’ve charmed Manchester, Craig . . . now rest your voice.

SOUTH WALES ARGUS
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, New Theatre, Cardiff
Wednesday 16th September 2009 By Jackie Davies

Director Bill Kenwright's long running touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat looked as fresh at the New Theatre, Cardiff as when it took to the road back in 2007 following the successful television talent show, Any Dream Will Do.

It is evident that Craig Chalmers as Joseph has built up quite a fan-base, and his performance certainly doesn't disappoint.

Confident, note-perfect and not displeasing to the eye! he is a worthy leading man, more than able to convey emotion through song.

The musical has no dialogue and as such it relies heavily on the resonance and clarity in tone of the narrator. Rachael Louise Miller had no problem with her rhyming lyrics and she unfolded the old testament tale at pace.

This production is nothing if not quirky, and a well-designed set complete with inflatable sheep and a talking camel provides a clever back-drop even when home to Pharaoh played as Elvis (yes,really!) by Scott Cripps.

Costumes combine traditional with modern, and even run to a hoe-down and a French cafe scene.

Camp, energetic and above all fun, this revival has ensured that audiences are still clapping and dancing in their seats over 25 years since its West End debut.
It runs until September 27 2009

THIS IS SOUTH DEVON

Princess Theatre, Torquay
The show that does what it says on the tin...

Wednesday, September 02, 2009, by Jonpaul Hedge

FOUR STARS

INFLATABLE sheep, wooden goats and comedy cardboard camels, you could be forgiven for thinking that sounds like a low budget school production.
But for those school children, parents and grandparents who packed out the Princess Theatre on opening night, any ideas of schoolboy humour were dispelled before the first sheep had time to inflate.

Joseph has been around the block in various guises, the West End, touring and schools editions.
So much so in fact that it has almost become a parody of itself.
But while Joseph might make use of some basic props, the production relies of pure talent to drive what is an inspiring and uplifting two hour spectacular.

The action begins as narrator Rachel Louise Miller casts of her bath robe (don't ask) and lays bare the family antics of Jacob and his sons.
Number one son Joseph (Craig Chalmers) is made and outcast after some preferential treatment from courtesy of his dad.

But luckily for young Jo, his boyish charms and penchant for predicting the future sees him through famines and bumps him up the social rankings.
Along the way (a very short way at 45 minutes for the first half) there's a veritable feast of musical numbers to tap, hum and sing along to.
The likes of Any Dream Will Do, Those Canaan Days and Go Go, Go Joseph were all served up with zeal, especially with the well measured backing of South Devon Stagecoach students.

Craig Chalmers is a fine choice as the leading man, looking and sounding the part.
A slightly unstirring rendition of tearjerker Close Every Door was compensated by pitch perfect and energetic all-round performance in the second act.

Pint-sized powerhouse Rachel Louise Miller gave a finished performance in the crucial role of the narrator, backed by a brilliant selection of 'brothers', Chris Dilley's animation particularly worthy of note.

The show is fresh and lively, appropriate for all the family, which should help to introduce and inspire theatre hungry generations to come.
Hold onto your hats for the finale, one of the best curtain calls around.

If you find a better bums-on-seats, hit-the-nail-on-the-head, does-what-it-says-on-the-tin show then let me know.

NEWS SHOPPER South East London & North Kent

REVIEW: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat ***
Friday 10th July 2009 By Robert Fisk

7 – 12 July 2009 Churchill Theatre, Bromley

IF ASKED to sum up the plot of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in five words I would say love, jealousy, deceit, forgiveness and reconciliation.

In slightly more words I could say beloved son is sold into slavery by his brothers because they are jealous of the love his father has for him – and the coat he has been given.
The boy survives through the power of his dreams and is eventually reunited with his brothers who he sees are now good people and he is able to forgive them.

If asked to describe the plot in even more words I would ask why because this is Joseph and whether through the original Bible, the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical or the TV show Any Dream Will Do you should know it by now.

As it was the tour headed up by Craig Chalmers from the hit BBC programme many people in the audience were just there to see him.

The other cast members are just as important though and one maybe more so –Rachael Louise Miller as the narrator which brings the show into the realm of a tale of two blondes rather than being all about Craig.

Having only a slight costume change from a light blue dressing gown to a star and moon themed waistcoat, which would not have looked out of place on a children’s television presenter, she has to rely instead on her singing voice to dazzle the audience.
And thankfully her voice does dazzle, pushing the action along from the land of Canaan to Egypt and everywhere in between.
It is no mistake that the second largest amount of applause at the end of the show goes to her because she is very impressive.

But, on stage at The Churchill where the tour began two years ago, Craig Chalmers as Joseph is the cast member most people have come to see.

His Joseph develops nicely and, through the magic of theatre and costume changes, it is believable to see how he manages to rise up from being an all too trusting brother to the one who controls the fate not just of his family but of the whole of Egypt.

Songwise the stand out moment is undoubtedly when he sings Close Every Door.
He is alone in his cell but every audience member feels for him and it is then it is clear to see how he has been playing the role for two years rather than crashing and burning in the first few weeks like some critics believed he would.

The costumes mix the somewhat traditional with some nice touches including Elvis (yes, he’s back in the building) as the Pharaoh and obviously the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat.

Alongside a set which conjures up the different places and some highly polished dancing and singing, Joseph is worth watching for fans of the television show who did not catch it last time, those who did and want to watch it again and for anyone who loves musicals.

BUXTON ADVERTISER

Dream of a Show by Craig

Published Date: 25 June 2009 By JP

BUXTON Opera House demonstrated on Monday night that the Devil doesn't always have all the best tunes...
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat looks set to have a run of truly Biblical proportions if the first night audience was anything to base a prophecy on.

Indeed it was hard to decide who was enjoying themselves the most at the end – the spectacularly energetic cast who had woven their own multi-coloured dreams in songand dance, or the customers, who abandoned their seats to sway, stamp and clap for an encore.

And it's even harder to believe that Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd-Webber weren't much more than teenagers when they brought the Old Testament story of Joseph to new life, becoming stars of the theatre who went on to superstardom with Jesus Christ Superstar.
The witty, inventive re-telling of the ancient tale in the modern idiom looks set to give the Joseph story another 2,000 years of top billing, especially as it never fails to remember the human side of the drama, bringing a lump to the throat despite the jokes when a broken family is re-united in love.

Craig Chalmers as Joseph is a golden boy – literally in some scenes – of the theatre, and his failure to win the TV search for Lloyd-Webber's Joseph just shows how much talent there is out there.

And if the white-haired old lady who nearly fell out of one of the boxes while clamouring for an encore is anything to go by, he won't need the telly to make his fortune anyway.

He was supported by a cast of stars in the making in this production of kaleidoscope scenes, side-slapping visual jokes and quick costume changes.
They were all excellent, but Scott Cripps as Elvis/Pharaoh – let's face it, they were both the King and spent time in Memphis – rocked the House.

HOUNSLOW CHRONICLE

This dream will do
May 12 2009 By Barry Dix

11 – 16 May 2009 Theatre Royal Windsor

He may not have won BBC TV’s Any Dream Will Do, but Craig Chalmers is triumphant in a sizzling production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, at Windsor this week.

How could he fail? A packed auditorium at the Theatre Royal was buzzing, in a manner normally reserved for the venue’s pantomimes, long before the curtain went up on Monday evening.

Perhaps it was the presence of a large and excited contingent of schoolchildren.

Perhaps it was the rows full of the Craig Chalmers’ unofficial fan club, seemingly made up of females from seven to 70.

Or perhaps it was just that, despite the number of occasions it has been performed, Joseph is simply a glorious piece of escapism, sweeping you up and carrying you away for a colourful, scintillating and joyous couple of hours of visual and musical delights.

The Windsor show, directed by Theatre Royal owner Bill Kenwright, no less, is as slick and pacy as any before it, never flagging, never allowing a moment’s mind-wandering.

Amid the limiting confines of a packed set, the cast conjure up all the magic of this Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber perennial with its wall-to-wall favourites like Any Dream Will Do, Close Ev’ry Door and One More Angel In Heaven.
There are plenty of delightful humorous moments among the harmonies and high-stepping– watch out for the inflatable sheep that look like miniature polar bears!

Edinburgh-born Craig, a professional entertainer before his TV appearances, wallows in it all and is relaxed and assured in the role.
No wonder Bill Kenwright, who was on the panel of judges for the BBC competition, had no qualms in giving him the chance to prove himself.

Craig gets excellent support, particularly from Rachael Louise Miller as the narrator.
Mention must also be made of The Young Set Choir, who are on stage for every second of the show, patiently waiting for their next chance to burst into song!

There was a rightly-justified standing ovation at the end – and that wasn’t just from the by-then ecstatic schoolkids and female fans.

THE NORTHERN ECHO

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sunderland Empire
Thursday 7th May 2009

POOR Joseph, he really did get on his brothers’ nerves and, as second youngest and his father’s favourite, there’s nothing he can do about it.
He doesn’t help himself, either, by telling his brothers about his dreams, which always seem to be about how they will all bow down to him at sometime in the future.
So it’s easy to understand why they finally lose patience with him after their father, Jacob, singles him out and gives him the fabulous coat of many colours.

Craig Chalmers, one of the most popular finalists in the recent BBC series, Any Dream Will Do, takes the title role with his fabulous vocal skills, great feeling and lots of charisma.
Sam Cassidy makes a stunning professional debut as the youngest son, Benjamin, and Rachael Louise Miller, as the Narrator, has the voice of a superstar.

Combine those unforgettable songs such as Any Dream Will Do, Close Ev’ry Door To Me and One More Angel with a firework box of colourful sets, energetic choreography and sumptuous costumes, and you really do have an amazing technicolour show.

Bill Kenwright’s production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical has lost none of the original magic and, despite a small technical hitch in the second half when the curtain came down for a few minutes, the packed audience at Sunderland Empire were on their feet. They loved every minute.

NORFOLK NEWS

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
By SARAH HARDY 14/04/2009

Norwich Theatre Royal

Is this the best musical ever produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice?

Well, it packs 'em in year after year, delights all ages and sends you away with a smile on your face so the answer must be a resounding 'yes'!

This version of the 40-year-old show sees Craig Chalmers in the title role. He was one of the finalists in the hit telly series, Any Dream Will Do, which saw Lee Mead take the top job.

But Craig, from Edinburgh, must have impressed theatre impresario Bill Kenwright as he asked him to be his Joseph in this touring version.
Craig works hard in his role - as do all the cast - and is perhaps happiest with the full-on numbers.
It is very hard to sing softly and slowly and Craig also had to battle with an over-zealous sound desk.

The narrator, Rachael Louise Miller, may only be pint-sized but had a voice to lift the rafters while members of our very own Broadland Youth Choir were on stage throughout, adding a bit of oomph to those marvellous tunes, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Ev'ry Door To Me and One More Angel.

The musical retells the Biblical story of Joseph and his 11 brothers and the coat of many colours.
There's a clear message of good triumphing over evil, of wrong-doing and subsequent forgiveness, of jealousy and family value - it's all there, like any good soap.
Add in a cowboy number, a Parisian lament and a Pharaoh as Elvis (performed with suitable gusto by Wayne Smith) and you've got a jam-packed show.

It may well play on your sentiments and see songs repeated and repeated - but what the heck?

This production is very slick, with fabulous costumes and has the same pyramid steps that all versions seem to have.
It's certainly a great way of getting children into a theatre - it's so fast and furious, there's no time for them to get bored and most have been introduced to it at school, too.

My seven-year-old loved it, and you can't say fairer than that.

THIS IS NORTH DEVON

Review: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Tuesday, March 31, 2009 by Jo Feesey,

Queen's Theatre, Barnstaple until Saturday April 4 2009

JOSEPH opened to a full house on Monday night, testament to the timelessness of Andrew Lloyd Webber's and Tim Rice's second musical collaboration and thanks to the popularity of the BBC television series Any Dream Will Do.

The show, based on the biblical story of Joseph and his struggle to follow his dreams, is told through a series of themed songs ranging from calypso to country and western, with more than a touch of rock and roll for good measure.
From the start the production oozed energy. With slick costume changes on stage and bounding enthusiasm from the cast during every dance routine, there was no time for the audience to breathe let alone get bored.

Comedy was injected throughout, thanks to a variety of rather bizarre props, including pop-up woolly sheep, gaudy singing camels and pink feather dusters.
If Joseph was camp the first time round, this production was on a whole new scale. As expected, full use was made of the sophisticated lighting system to portray mood and add drama, flashing between red and yellow and green and brown and...you get the picture.

Craig Chalmers, a finalist on Any Dream Will Do, gave Joseph a modern twist with his surfer-style hair and comedic expressions (especially during the Pharaoh's Elvis number). His voice was strong throughout, although at times it felt as if some of the songs lacked emotion. However, the fact that he spent most of the show in little more than a loin cloth and a heavy coating of baby oil no doubt kept the female members of the audience happy.

Being a show of virtually no dialogue the role of the narrator is massive, but Rachael Louise Miller managed to navigate us effortlessly between scenes. Her clear diction ensured we were always up to speed with the plot and her voice rang out like a bell over the chaotic chorus numbers.

As a musical originally written as a brief pop cantata for a school production, it was unsurprising to see that The Joseph Choir, local children from Stagecoach Theatre Arts, (pictured right), played a huge part in adding depth and harmony, particularly during the classic Any Dream Will Do.

Over 25 years since its West End debut, Joseph still had the audience tapping and clapping in their seats and no doubt humming the catchy tunes for days afterwards. For anyone in need of a technicolored dose of the feel good factor, this production of Joseph is unmissable.

DAILY ECHO

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,

The Mayflower, Southampton
Tuesday 24th March 2009 by Hilary Porter

DECADES have passed since Joseph first pulled on his dreamcoat in London’s’ West End.
But there isn’t a mothball in sight or a single faded thread in this spangled, kaleidoscopic, extravaganza.

Colourful, comical, charming, and camp. This sparkling revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s earliest collaboration with Tim Rice is an outstanding triumph.

More than 40 years since it started life in a prep school, becoming the smash hit 70s rock opera, this slick, clap along, energised re-telling of the biblical tale of Jacob and his 12 sons is probably more exhilarating, more enthralling – and in these troubled times – more uplifting than ever before.

Some 18 months into playing the part of dreamer Joseph on tour, blond dreamboat Craig Chalmers – who landed the role after making the final Lloyd Webber’s telly talent search Any Dream Will Do – is just perfect.

Not only does he have that fresh, youthful appeal of the virtuous favourite son, but his beautiful melodic vocal delivery of songs like Close Every Door and Any Dream Will Do was enchanting too.

Never has the Bible been such fun. Not only do we relish the wall-to-wall hit songs with their comically satirical rhyming lyrics, through which the story is told in fast paced action, but the fun is embellished by endless visual humour. The tongue-in-cheek wit includes pop-up woolly sheep, singing camels, French men in berets, and the wonderful Elvis impersonator, Wayne Smith, playing a rhinestone suited pharaoh. Narrator Rachael Louise Miller delivers wonderful clear crisp vocals too.

The entire company pours so much energy into dance routines that take us from rock and roll to Caribbean and cowboy scenes. It is truly breathtaking. It is the ultimate feel good family show.

EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, The Playhouse
Published Date: 17 March 2009 By Josephine Balfour

SPENDING the evening with Joseph and his multi-coloured coat at the Playhouse last night was somewhat akin to waiting for a themed wedding in the foyer of a Las Vegas casino to begin.
The glitz, the glamour and the faux palm trees were all in place, but where was the groom?

Occupying the same niche in the nation's psyche as tinned tomato soup with a side order of cheese on toast, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat has become the musical of choice for every generation of school children since its 1968 inception.

With perky lyrics and a break-neck pace, the show is comforting, familiar and, above everything else, an uplifting cure for any ill. After all, who doesn't have fond memories of late nights spent learning lyrics, sewing costumes or practising that awkward fanfare for when Pharaoh arrives?

Playing Joseph to a packed crowd was Edinburgh's very own Craig Chalmers.

Although missing out in the top spot in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Any Dream Will Do – the televised hunt for a Joseph to lead in London's West End – Chalmers has taken to starring in the national tour with gusto. Exuding just the right of amount of cheeky chappie attitude and boy next-door charm, Chalmers puts in a steady, even and enthusiastic turn as everyone's favourite Canaanite, receiving a standing ovation for his troubles.

Yet, at times, it feels more like he's decorating the set rather than leading the extravaganza. It's not that Chalmers isn't interesting scenery. Far from it, in fact he's a more than passable stage idol, particularly in a loincloth. But when you're the star, it would be nice to see more of you centre stage.

Certainly, Joseph's public appeal would be considerably less if it wasn't an ensemble piece, however, director Bill Kenwright seems to have spent so much time building up the big numbers and honing the comedic turns, such as One More Angel in Heaven and Poor, Poor, Pharaoh, that Joseph himself becomes a little superfluous.

In fact, it's Narrator Rachel Louise Miller who finds herself spending most of the time at the front of the action. Although she's pivotal to the plot, giving an enthusiastic, light-hearted performance, her presence soon begins to tire, especially when we should be watching Joseph reacting to the events around him.

It is, however, a minor irritation in an otherwise excellent production. Seasoned performer Henry Metcalfe puts in triple duty as a bereaved Jacob, angry Potiphar and fantastic choreographer. His routines are well paced, easy on the eye and segue seamlessly into one and other. The comic moments are well timed, good humoured and genuinely entertaining, a sheep malfunction adding to the jovial ambience.

The kids from Mary Erskine and Stewart's MelvilleJuniorSchool were wonderful, rising to the challenge of some difficult harmonizing with the rest of the cast and praise must also go to the attractive lighting arrangement. The ritzy Pyramid set, though, still leaves one wondering if Joseph could just be the next big thing for Vegas weddings, bar mitzvahs and funerals.

LATEST 7, Brighton, Hove & Sussex

Review: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
By Matthew Hall

Theatre Royal Brighton, 27 January 2009
Sceptics should reconsider. The show is joyous, pervading the audience and leaving a smile on the faces of adults and children alike. Much due to the emotive voice of Tara Bethan who shines as narrator. Craig Chalmers proves a brilliant Joseph, serious, charming and comic as need demands. Adebayo Bolaji as Issachar brings his part to the fore, often stealing attention from the stars. Though old the show has renewed vigour, still proving a delight for people of all ages. 4/5

Joseph - Theatre Royal Brighton
Joseph & his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Music: Andrew Lloyd-Webber
Lyrics: Tim Rice
Director: Bill Kenwright
Reviewer: Kimberley Knudsen January 2009

You have to hand it to Bill Kenwright for this revival of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph. Any show that can get the audience singing the songs in the foyer before the performance even starts is clearly on to a winner.

The viewing figures for recent television ‘search for a star’ shows such as Any Dream Will Do and I’d Do Anything prove that there is still a great demand for light hearted singalong style musicals and tonight’s audience whooped, laughed, clapped out the rhythms and sang along as if they really felt part of the show themselves.

Judging by the queues of smiling faces, young and old, waiting for autographs at the close of the show, Craig Chalmers has a burgeoning fan club who didn’t seem to be worried if he came 5th or 50th in Any Dream Will Do. Although his voice was a little lacking in depth, his cheery personality and obvious charm more than made up for it and his work down the gym meant that he could carry off wearing a loincloth with aplomb.

With animated eyebrows Roger Moore would be proud of, Tara Bethan turns in a great performance as the narrator, launching into the songs with gusto whilst also crystal clear in the quieter moments. Almost stealing the show from Craig Chalmers is Antony Hansen as the 70’s Elvis style lip curling, hip shaking Pharaoh who proved to be very popular with the audience.

As you’d expect the whole thing moves along at a cracking pace taking in the 1920s style of Potiphar’s household, via Paris and the Caribbean and back to Egypt. With some innovative props including talking camels, inflatable sheep and boats that double up as jail cells, together with some energetic choreography the cast look like they are having as much fun as the audience which sums up the evening perfectly

HEREFORD TIMES

Joseph wows the Malvern audiences
Wednesday 21st January 2009

THE return of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat to Malvern Theatres this week should prove to be the perfect antidote to the current doom and gloom.

For long after the colours had faded into darkness, the audience were left lifted, invigorated and definitely wanting more.

Craig Chalmers, one of the Joseph wannabes on TV's Any Dream Will Do, takes on the eponymous role and is a great Joseph.

Antony Hansen, who was also in the final 10 Josephs in the hit BBC show, was a cheeky Pharoah, clearly relishing the chance to get into full Elvis mode and enjoying the reaction from the girls in the audience when he gave a hip wiggle here and there.

The whole cast, from Joseph's brothers to the choir of children who were on stage the whole time, were on top form - but the revelation of the evening was the performance of Tara Bethan as the narrator.

Tara was one of the final 10 in TV's I'd Do Anything and watching her perform last night, it is amazing to think that someone so talented didn't win the show.
Her voice was outstanding, her performance full of energy and she really shone.

This feelgood show is full of fabulous tunes, great dancing and lyrics which are guaranteed to raise a smile - and I defy anyone to go along and not come away feeling that life perhaps is not all that bad after all.

Joseph runs at Malvern Theatres until Sunday

THE WESTON MERCURY

Hippodrome Theatre, Bristol 12 – 17 January 2009

A KALEIDOSCOPE of colours filled the Bristol Hippodrome at the opening night of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The leading role of Joseph is played by Craig Chalmers who took fifth place on the popular BBC series Any Dream Will Do, which searched the nation to find a Joseph to play the lead in the West End musical.

Following his success on the show, the 27-year-old impressed theatre impresario Bill Kenwright who asked him to take the role of Joseph on a UK national tour.
Bill is the most successful independent theatre producer and director in the country and was one of a panel of judges on Any Dream Will Do.

Craig has been playing the part of Joseph on the UK tour since August 2007 and has extended his contract until August of this year.
As Joseph he conjures up all the dramatic qualities needed to take you on an emotional and uplifting journey which is based on the Biblical story of Jacob and his 12 sons.

Craig's singing is exceptional and is matched by the energetic cast who join forces to produce a musical that is through-sung like an opera, with the rhyming lyrics unveiling the storyline in fast paced action.

The narrator, who is pivotal in telling the story, is performed by Tara Bethan, who was one of the top 10 finalists in the BBC1 series I'd Do Anything.

Tara, who is also a regular presenter for BBC, ITV and S4/C, has an exceptional voice and takes on her role with energy and true passion.

In the story, Joseph is a dreamer but is teased and taunted by his brothers who are all jealous of him as the favourite son who receives a multi-coloured coat from his father.
His brothers decide to banish him, selling him as a slave to an Egyptian merchant.
The musical then follows his adventures to follow his dreams and prove his true worth.

The finale ensures that the audience cannot resist standing up and joining in with the uplifting beat - and as I clapped and cheered it felt like the whole theatre was at a party.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a sparkling family musical not to be missed.

GLASGOW EVENING TIMES

REVIEW: Joseph @ The Armadillo
22 December 2009 – 10 January 2010by Sarah Swain

IT might not have ugly sisters, evil villains or a pantomime dame but Joseph is a Technicolor Christmas cracker.

What started out as Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's composition for a school concert almost 40 years ago has become one of the biggest musicals ever. And yes, it might be cheesy, but like the best cheddar it only gets better with age.

Wearing the famous coat this time is 27-year-old Craig Chalmers, the angelic-looking Scots finalist from the BBC's Joseph-hunt show Any Dream Will Do.

He didn't get the West End role but Craig was handed the loincloth - to the delight of the girls in the audience - for the UK tour which has visited the King's Theatre and Hamilton Town House. And he was a winner in the eyes of the excited crowd.

The atmosphere carried enough electricity to light up the George Square Christmas tree as the cast rolled out the famous numbers from Go Go Go Joseph to the emotional Close Every Door.
And Craig proves that he's capable of playing to the biggest crowds as he got the Armadillo rocking so much it almost tipped into the Clyde.

Also worth a mention is another Any Dream Will Do contestant, Antony Hansen, who is the king of the stage as the Elvis-inspired Pharaoh. I'd Do Anything finalist Tara Bethan was great as narrator.

It might not be a pantomime but there was plenty of audience participation and a standing ovation for the fabulous finale.Just like Santa this is one show never fails to deliver.

MELTON TIMES

REVIEW: Joseph is a must see
12 December 2008 By Allison Bryant
Joseph, De Montfort Hall, Leicester, until December 2008.

When I was asked if I would like to go to DeMontfort Hall to review the first nights performance of Joseph I have to admit I didn't exactly jump for joy - for some reason it is not a musical I thought that I would enjoy. If I am honest I imagined it to be a bit out dated - but I will defiantly have to eat my words - it was fantastic.

I was shocked by how pacy and fast moving the story was and the many varied and different genres of music that the show incorporated - can you believe that in a show set in biblical times Rock n Roll, Country n Western etc could be featured so successfully.

The audience were captivated from start to finish by a show that incorporated every emotion from total despair to side splitting humour.

It is a show that is timeless and most defiantly ageless- I noticed people in the audience from toddlers to pensioners all entranced by such a wonderful show and such a talented cast.

Craig Chalmers plays the leading man 'Joseph' - what a professional! no signs at all of first night wobbles or nerves. Not only can that man sing - from the quiet emotional numbers to the big blast it out ballads Craig was right on the money.

Although Craig is probably best known for his singing make no mistake his acting is also top notch he brings Joseph to life with a fantastic mix of emotions (I particularly loved the humour he injected into his time as an angel!)

The Narrator played by Tara Bethan carried the whole show beautifully - having sat through Miss Saigon many years ago I was not totally sold on the idea of having the whole show sung to me, I remember previously struggling to follow the story and to pick up on all the narrative - but certainly now worries on that score this time.

Tara's voice was as clear as a bell each word was not only pitch perfect but wonderfully clear, she told the story with conviction, I really felt like she was guiding me through this great tale as if I was the only person in that auditorium.

The brothers - all 11 of them - were so very talented and full of fun and enthusiasm - they sung and danced their socks off.

What a great Pharaoh Antony Hansen was - or should I say Elvis! - the voice and mannerisms of the King he'd got down to a tee.

I cannot sign off this review without praising all of the supporting cast - including the fantastic Joseph choir from the Dupont Dance Stage School - so professional a wonderful performance for a first night, they sang like angels and were such an important integral part to the whole show.

GO SEE JOSEPH - whatever age you are you'll love it.

CITY LIFE

Joseph

By Natalie Anglesey Palace Theatre Manchester 24 – 29 November 2008

JOSEPH is back for the second time this year and judging by its reception, the fans are delighted.

What's so special about this musical which has been around for such a long time?
Well it marked the professional debut of those legendary knights, composer Sir Andrew Lloyd-Webber and lyricist Sir Tim Rice.

Because it was written for a school's end of term show, they allowed
themselves to be a bit silly so the musical numbers in this biblical story range from country and western to calypso and its relentlessly jolly.
However it does contains some great songs like Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door.

Producer Bill Kenwright constantly tweaks this fast-paced show and there's superb scenery with blow-up sheep, a singing Sphinx and a musical camel.
Tara Bethan, a contestant in the I'd Do Anything competition, plays the Narrator who leads the local school choirs who sang beautifully.

But the main attraction is undoubtedly handsome Craig Chalmers who came fourth in the BBC television competition Any Dream Will Do, but achieved his dream to play Joseph.
He's joined on stage by Antony Hansen, another finalist, who looks good as the Elvis Presley-style Pharoah although he had some diction problems.

25-year-old Chalmers bears more than a passing resemblance to local lad Peter Noone with the same haircut and cheeky smile. Both he and Hansen are in a band of five finalists called Dream On and now they've made their first single.
You've probably guessed, it's a cover of the old Herman and The Hermits hit I'm Into Something Good and first night audiences were treated to the two stars signing copies after the show.
I've a sneaky premonition that may happen every night this week!

THE TELEGRAPH & ARGUS

Amazing Joseph is dream of a show

Tuesday 18th November 2008 By Emma Clayton
Alhambra Theatre Bradford 17 – 22 November 2008

I’ve never been a fan of Biblical musicals and this show in particular has always left me cold.

Whenever I tell anyone they tend to gasp. The Joseph musical is a national treasure – like fish and chips, Ant and Dec or indeed Andrew Lloyd Webber – and you’re expected to fall in love with it.

I’ve always said it’s a great show for children but, since it was originally written as a school play, that’s where it should stay – an end-of-term fifth form show.

Last night, however, I think I finally got this Joseph thing. It happened about half-way through Act 1 when Joseph appeared on stage dressed as an , surrounded by singing camels and comedy sheep. His brothers were all decked out as cowboys, crooning away like Biblical line-dancers.

It made me smile, the smile broke into a chuckle and I started to feel the warmth that everyone around me seemed to be feeling. I realised what it was – I was being entertained! This show was a blast, racing along at breakneck speed with an infectious sense of humour. There was Potiphar in a tuxedo, surrounded by flapper girls; Pharaoh in a Vegas Elvis suit, flanked by pom pom-shaking cheerleaders and American footballers; Jacob in striped jersey and beret singing a Parisian torch song version of Those Canaan Days; Carmen Miranda-style dancing girls swaying to Benjamin Calypso and a gospel choir belting out Go, Go, Go Joseph.

He may have lost out on the West End role, but Craig Chalmers, a runner-up on BBC1’s Any Dream Will Do, proved he fits into the technicolor dreamcoat very nicely thank you. I find Joseph a bit wet, to be honest, but Craig brought an impish charm to the role. And he worked that loincloth!

Tara Bethan was a fabulous Narrator; probably the toughest role in the show and she pulled it off with style. Antony Hansen was a sexy-but-dim Pharaoh and Henry Metcalfe gave a moving performance as Jacob.

Well done to a terrific cast, particularly Joseph’s band of brothers, all shaggy bears and Afghan waistcoats.

This was a thoroughly entertaining show earning a standing ovation. A lavish production which remains at a charming pop musical bringing to life an ancient story of sibling rivalry.

I may just have been converted!

NEWS SHOPPER

Craig Chalmers stars in Dreamcoat at The Orchard, Dartford

In Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Thursday 30th October 2008

Craig Chalmers impresses Carole Hoggan when she sees Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat for the first time

Having never seen the show before and not knowing too much about it (I was probably the only one in the audience) I went along to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with an open mind and I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was.

After a lengthy introduction before the curtain actually went up, Tara Bethan opened the show as Narrator, telling us the story of Joseph through song.
I had never realised there was no dialogue – just lyrics – but Tara made it very easy to follow the story as her voice was clear and very powerful. Wow, can she sing.

Fervent fans in the audience – singing each number word for word – almost drowned her out, but she just had the power to make herself heard.
Craig Chalmers as Joseph was a dreamboat in his coat of many colours with a voice to match. One More Angel was one of the numbers from the show I’d never heard before but instantly loved. He made a great Joseph, especially when wearing his loin cloth .
The brothers were great, you couldn’t help liking them even when they were being mean to Joseph, their singing and dancing superb. Those Canaan Days was another favourite of mine.
The singing and dancing from the rest of the cast was great. There was even a bit of unintended comedy when one of the sheep failed to inflate – raising a laugh from the audience. A calypso number from performer Anthony Hanson, with his hip-swaying Elvis inspired Pharaoh, made sure there was something for everyone. He sang a new song, especially written for this production, called King of My heart too. A children’s choir was a big part of the show and you could see they were really enjoying themselves.

I felt the second half was much better than the first. There was a medley of all the songs in a party mix with plenty of audience participation. Craig’s rendition of Any dream will Do also had everyone singing and clapping.

As a newcomer to the show, I found it frustrating when many of the songs were repeated throughout. But I would definitely see this show again, it was great fun. It can take any night out from dreary to dreamcoat in a flash (of light).

THIS IS GRIMSBY

A colourful Performance by Joseph

October 22 2008Grimsby Auditorium by Lucy Wood

AS my colleague Laura Stuart-Cook and I settled in our seats to watch Joseph last night, I felt quite proud that I know all the colours of his coat – and in perfect order, too.
Laura reliably informed me this is probably a bit geek-ish and that I shouldn't admit to it in public. But I come from the generation that first saw the show with Jason Donovan at the helm and, being a Jason fan from the tender age of eight, it was my young mission to learn every word he sang.

So, when the house lights dipped, it took all my willpower not to sing out loud – as you can probably tell, the passing time has not made me like Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's musical version of the biblical tale any less.
Playing the lead role is Craig Chalmers, one of the finalists in the hit BBC show Any Dream Will Do, who certainly charmed the audience – which showed its appreciation by wolf-whistling, stomping and screaming.

He made for a polished, very clean-cut Joseph and his rendition of Close Ev'ry Door (possibly my favourite song in the show) was lovely.
Also putting in an appearance were two other Saturday night TV favourites: Antony Hansen, another finalist from Any Dream Will Do, who played the Elvis-styled Pharaoh, and Tara Bethan, from the recent hit show I'd Do Anything, who took the role of the narrator.

Joseph's band of brothers were each great in their own way, and I was blown away by their gorgeous voices – I would have loved to have heard more.
Jacob, their father, ruled over his brood with dignity, and the moment he is reunited with his favourite son Joe towards the end of the show was very touching.
The girls of the cast sang and danced their way through with unwavering enthusiasm, and praise has to be heaped on the young children from Stagecoach, who performed very well – and were as good as gold, showing a wonderful knack for concentration.
Theatre impresario Bill Kenwright's production was very tongue-in-cheek: we saw the brothers dressed as Frenchmen, cowboys and American football players; a giant Pharaoh head began spookily talking to Joseph; the wife of a rich Egyptian captain – with whom Joe is accused of having an affair – spoke disturbingly like a man... and inflatable sheep, representing Jacob and the brothers' flock, got huge laughs.

But for me, it will always be about the glorious music (it is a shame the live band is hidden away from view) – it never fails to make me jig in my seat.
And just in case you're interested, Webber and Rice rule there are 29 colours in the coat – it was red, yellow, green, brown, scarlet, black... oh, I've run out of room!

THIS IS NOTTINGHAM
Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Theatre Royal
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 by Andy Smart

IT seems like every musical that hits town these days is headlined by a graduate of reality TV, writes Andy Smart.

This time it is Craig Chalmers, who lost out to Lee Mead in Andrew Lloyd Webber's search for the West End lead in Joseph, but obviously showed producer Bill Kenwright enough to suggest he could hold together a major UK tour.
I can see where Kenwright was coming from. Golden boy Chalmers has real presence, a touch of star quality that could well give him a musical theatre shelf life long after Joseph has finished its current run.

For a start he looks the part, with his shiny blond hair and gleaming Bee Gees smile. You could almost hear the teenies swooning. And he sings well, too, with a nice balance of lightness and power when it was needed. Maybe his acting skills won't win him an Olivier just yet, but he has got age on his side.

Not that Joseph is all about one performer. Chalmers is joined by I'd Do Anything finalist Tara Bethan, who gives a winning performance as the Narrator, spinning the story of Jacob and his 12 sons while charging up and down stairs, singing and dancing without a break.

And fellow Any Dream Will Do contender Antony Hansen's hip-shaking Pharoah also went down well, although his diction could have been clearer on the song that holds the key to Joseph's revival from prisoner to prince.
Under Kenwright's sharp, witty direction, they lead an energetic ensemble who are clearly having the time of their lives, adding light and colour to all those catchy Webber/Rice tunes.

Joseph has been coming to Nottingham for years and every visit brings a fresh tweak and even more dazzling, tongue-in-cheek costumes and sets. It is just such a fun show – I love its irreverence, humour, eclectic musicality and sheer exuberance; it's the sort of show that gets people out of their seats and sends them home feeling happy.

Hey Joe, you are still the man.

THE EVENING CHRONICLE

Dream Show Truly Dazzles

Published 2 September 2008

Young reviewer VICTORIA WATSON catches the opening night of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which is at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle, until Saturday, September 13 2008.

JOSEPH kicked off in style last night. Considering this is a show where three of the main parts are played by people who didn’t win Andrew Lloyd Webber’s search for Josephs and Nancys, there is absolutely nothing second-rate about the performances.

Give me Craig Chalmers over Lee Mead any day.

Craig was in fine voice and I have to say, the skimpy outfit he wore for a great deal of this fine musical nearly diverted my attention from the classic tale!

That said, Craig’s solo at the end of Act 1 really showcased his impressive vocals.

Tara Bethan, who made it to the Top Ten of I’d Do Anything, really excelled in her role as the Narrator. Her enthusiasm was incredible and she looked like she was truly enjoying the show.

Her dancing was spot-on and she hit every difficult note with ease. Anthony Hansen, who also featured in Any Dream Will Do with Craig, played the comic role of Pharaoh in the style of Elvis with real zest.

The story is based on the Biblical story of Joseph, found in the book of Genesis, but is told firmly with tongue-in-cheek. Although this is a typical tale of sibling rivalry and redemption, this production is both funny and touching.

There are several musical pastiches, including the hoe-down featuring One More Angel. The classic elements of Joseph are all present and correct, with the notably different musical styles being reflected in the super costumes.

Although we see the 1920s Charleston, 1970s disco, as well as cheerleaders, all of the superb costumes remained true to the Middle Eastern location with each featuring something classically Egyptian.

Joseph’s dreamcoat is not the only technicolored piece of clothing in this production; everything from costumes to the beautiful scenery is outstanding.

Every member of the cast, which included a choir from StagecoachTheatre Arts School, gave it their all.

The finale of the show features a Joseph megamix which had the packed audience giving the cast the ovation they deserved.

THE BELFAST NEWSLETTER

Amazing production shows its true colours
Grand Opera House Belfast 18 – 30 August 2008 byPhil Crossey

The evergreen musical Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat returned to Belfast this week with a weight of expectation and no small amount of hype behind it.
This is the touring production of the show made famous (or should that be even more famous?) through the reality TV programme Any Dream Will Do.

Eventual winner Lee Mead took the lead role in the West End revival of the musical, but it’s the touring counterpart which arrived in Northern Ireland, with third-placed contestant Craig Chalmers as the title character.

As with all musicals, Joseph is light on story and narrative, and the lyrics of the songs don’t stand up to a great deal of scrutiny.
It’s down, therefore, to the performers to carry the show and make it convincing, with an even-handed director needed to ensure that the world on stage is not only believable but entertaining as well.

Thankfully, this production comes together with style and bravado in a production that is charged with energy and vibrancy.

Craig Chalmers is more the centre of the show than its outright star, but he puts in an engaging performance as an everyman Joseph that is admirable for being slightly understated.
He could have been a prima donna, but any suggestions of that are, thankfully, dismissed when he opens his mouth and an Edinburgh accent comes out.

It is the chorus of his 11 brothers who drive the story in the early stages, and they manage to shine throughout both as a collection of performers and a series of individuals when they break into their respective roles.

This is a production that doesn’t take itself too seriously, that’s not to say it isn’t polished or professional, but there’s an endearing tone of levity throughout.

Through the various musical changes – with scenes aping country and western music, French accents, calypso and glamourised versions of the play’s ancient setting – proceedings rattle along at a cracking pace.

The result ensures that there is always plenty happening on stage to engage the crowd – you will be too entertained to go hunting for flaws or feel the need to pick apart the production.

The ending is perhaps a shade overdone, with numerous curtain calls and grandstanding songs, but the audience couldn’t get enough of it.

And that’s the point – the whole experience of Joseph is uncynically uplifting, a feel-good piece of family theatre that succeeds as spectacle and leaves a pleasing afterglow.

UK THEATRE.NET
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - UK Tour

Reviewed at The Sunderland Empire by Steve Burbidge30 June – 5 July 2008

Craig Chalmers, one of the most popular finalists in the hit BBC TV series Any Dream Will Do, donned the famous coat of many colours to play the lead role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Sunderland Empire last night and for the rest of this week.

Following in the footsteps of many others including Donny Osmond, Jason Donovan, Ian 'H' Watkins, Phillip Schofield and Stephen Gateley, Craig was in no way overshadowed by these big names His portrayal of Joseph struck exactly the right balance of vulnerability and heroism and he made the part entirely his own. From his first appearance, right through to the standing ovation at curtain-call, Craig captivated the audience with his stage presence and vocal talents. He handled all his musical numbers with aplomb and hit each note with precision and perfection. Craig suited the role visually, too. I was reliably informed, by my fifteen year old niece, that he is "well-fit." This, I believe, translates as "considerably handsome" for those of us who are no longer in our teens.

Tara Bethan, a finalist from the BBC TV series I'd Do Anything, played the role of the Narrator. Her voice was as clear as a bell and her diction was impeccable. Tara's natural charm and pleasing stage presence make her the perfect performer to move the story along.

Antony Hansen gave a lively performance as the pelvis-thrusting Elvis-style Pharaoh. Other notable performances came from Henry Metcalfe as Jacob/Potiphar and Eve Marchant as Mrs Potiphar.

Much of the dance action came from Joseph's brothers. They all performed with boundless energy and enthusiasm, and there were some quirky interpretations of some of the songs. One More Angel In Heaven was performed in a country and western style, complete with Stetsons; Those Canaan Days was given a Parisian flavour and there was even a Caribbean Calypso number thrown in to extol the virtues of Benjamin, Joseph's younger brother. I am not certain why the style and setting of these musical numbers was shifted away from Ancient Egypt but, you know what, it didn't really matter anyway!

The sets are uncomplicated, yet extremely effective and riotously colourful. A real visual treat! The score is a sure-fire hit, having been penned by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber it couldn't really fail. The real showstoppers, Close Ev'ry Door To Me; Poor, Poor Joseph and Any Dream Will Do are instantly recognisable and stand the test of time.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a real family show, full of fun and froth but with a moral of forgiveness and reconciliation at the heart of the story as well. It's simply great entertainment and a Technicolor Dream come true.

THE VISITOR, Morcambe

Review: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
GO GO GO JOSEPH: Craig Chalmers was a real star turn.

The Grand Theatre Blackpool 7 - 19 July 2008

CRAIG Chalmers as Joseph was my 12-year-old daughter's 'Amazing Technicolor Dream-boat'.

Many of you will remember 25-year-old Craig as one of the more popular contestants in the recent hit BBC series, 'Any Dream Will Do'. He made it into the final five, apparently, although I didn't watch the programme myself.

Having seen Joseph performed before – once with Jason Donovan playing the lead and another time with Phillip Schofield – I didn't expect an unknown who'd failed to win an Andrew Lloyd Webber moneyspinner to equal their performances.

But hey Craig, I take it all back. You did great and not only that, I also grossly under-estimated the effect you would have on my 12-year-old and all the other young swooning girl fans in the audience.
As far as my daughter was concerned, you were simply 'Amazing'.

Tara Bethan – who made it into the top

10 in follow-up TV talent show, I'd Do Anything – was a charming narrator; more than a match for anybody I'd seen in the role before and you could understand every single word she sang, which is so important when you're responsible for delivering the story to the audience.

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Joseph musical has been doing the theatre rounds since the early 70s but this Bill Kenwright production proves how timeless it is.
Joseph isn't a serious show. It's fun from the word go, bright and colourful, a real feel-good piece of theatre – very similar to the Abba-inspired Mamma Mia in fact, currently enjoying new popularity as a movie.

Although this production sticks faithfully to the original story, there's ever-so-slight changes here and there which bring it into the present.
The gospel choir singing the concluding song of the first half, 'Go Go Go Joseph', was a powerful, fresh rendition of this big full-cast number.

The show's always been tongue-in-cheek and camp, and in this vein, it didn't disappoint.

Even my hubby (not really a Lloyd Webber fan, who before the performance admitted he didn't know quite what to expect) couldn't help laughing at the corny bits, particularly the 'pop-up' sheep and talking camel's head.

He even clapped after most of the songs which is quite rare as applause is something he usually saves for the finale.
But then, you'd have had to be pretty miserable not to enjoy this production, which was the liveliest and most energetic I've seen.

The all-important 11 brothers were portrayed with great spirit and energy, as well as humour and togetherness.

Their rendition of 'One More Angel In Heaven', when they tell their father Joseph has died slaying a goat, was undoubtedly a highlight of the night.

It would also be amiss not to mention another 'Any Dream Will Do' finalist, Antony Hansen, who played the Elvis Presley-inspired Pharaoh in legendary Elvis style.

And more importantly for me, he made my daughter's dreams come true when – along with 'Dreamboat' Chalmers – they signed her programme and posed for a picture after the show. A perfect end to an uplifting evening.

BURTON MAIL

Craig's a Chalmer as the new Joseph

Assembly Rooms, Derby 23 – 28 June 2008 REVIEW by Emma Turton

HE'S following in the footsteps of big names like Donny Osmond, Philip Schofield and Jason Donovan - and he's doing a splendid job.

Millions of people watched on national television as Craig Chalmers was told his dream was over by Andrew Lloyd Webber on the TV audition show Any Dream Will Do.
But, as anyone who watched his first night at Derby's Assembly Rooms will agree, the softly spoken Scot is far from a loser.

Now playing the lead role in the touring version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Craig is just perfect. Great voice, good looks, he pitched it just right.
And with a standing ovation after the show, it was a struggle for him to leave the stage.

Joseph has gone into the Guinness Book of Records as the longest-running touring stage musical of all time. It's been on the road for 20 years - it had its West End debut in 1972 - and has played to millions of people.

The show retells the Biblical story of Joseph, sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. He learns how to interpret dreams, finding favour with the Pharaoh who promotes him to a position of power.

Joseph predicts Egypt will suffer from famine and when his brothers come to him for food, he is reunited with his family.

The trick to Joseph is that the show has a feel-good factor that still pulls in the crowds three decades on. There's the happy ending we all desire, and it's a moral tale of forgiveness.

I hadn't seen the show since I was a child and I had expected something a little more sedate. How wrong could I have been?

Joseph of 2008 is packed with glitz and glamour - an Elvis-styled Pharoah, prison guards in sparkly capes and American football-inspired outfits, cheerleaders, French mime, songs with a Deep South twang and even a touch of calypso. It really has got a bit of everything.

I defy the least rhythmic person not to find their toes and fingers tapping. This is totally hypnotic production, the kind of show you'd like to see a second time just to make sure you catch what you missed first time.

With the 'steps in an upside down V' set, the production seems to be very basic, but is, in fact, a logistical nightmare for the props department.
There are points in the show where you wonder just where it's going, and it is very fast-paced, but the star and its narrator never fail to hold everything together.

Craig Chalmers was an excellent and believable Joseph, with just the right amount of drama and humour. He looks good, plays a confident part and has a great voice.

And narrator Tara Bethan - herself a hopeful Nancy in the ITV show I'd Do Anything - is the glue that keeps all the bits in place. She has a beautiful voice and keeps the show's pace going.

This production doesn't call for the greatest acting or dancing skills, but what makes it totally infectious is the way the whole cast throw themselves into their parts.
The audience were on their feet at the end, and that's where they'll stay throughout the run. Director and producer Bill Kenwright knows what the crowd wants and gives it to them.

THE HERTS ADVERTISER

Joseph has crowd dancing

9-14 June 2008 Alban Arena St Albans by Aimee Brannen

PACKED full of infectious entertainment and blending together action, stunning vocals and laughter, the production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat currently running at the Alban Arena is one not to miss.

The opening night of this take on the well-loved musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber went down a storm with the audience, some of whom were on their feet singing and dancing along by the time the curtains fell.

The musical draws on the famous biblical brotherhood story about Jacob and his many sons, of which Joseph is the unrivalled favourite, creating jealously among his siblings who decide to sell him into slavery as a result.

Craig Chalmers takes the lead as Joseph having come fresh from his success on the hit BBC competition Any Dream Will Do in which he was one of the finalists hoping to play Joseph in the West End version on the show.

His voice and presence are remarkable, as is the talent of the all-singing narrator played by Tara Bethan, who was a top 10 contestant for the part of Nancy in the TV show I'd Do Anything.

Director Bill Kenwright's take on the classic musical produces a vibrant, energetic and enthralling show with a well-received blend of comedy - mainly in the form of the Pharaoh's character, an Elvis Presley clone who frees Joseph from jail after realising his dream-analysing abilities.

This part is played superbly by Antony Hansen who, like his co-star, was also in the running to play Joseph in the West End and the pair form part of band Dream On along with three of the other hopefuls.

Completing the show is the flawless performance from the 60-strong children's choir who are present for the entire performance and are all members of the StagecoachDramaSchool in St Albans.

Making this musical all the more impressive is the magnificent middle-eastern set, spectacular lighting effects and vibrant costumes, particularly during the end scenes when Joseph unveils his coat.

This sparkling show made amazing by an entirely outstanding cast was met with a standing ovation and is perfect for the young and old alike.

Popular songs such as Go Go Go Joseph, Close Every Door To Me, One Angel In Heaven and the title song satisfied the audience.Joseph is a brilliant, uncomplicated musical and this production won't disappoint.

THE SURREY ADVERTISER
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THE SURREY ADVERTISER
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The Courier

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THE SURREY ADVERTISER
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Theatre review: Aladdin

THE NEWS & STAR
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