JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE
★★★★★
This Joseph is very special. Go, go, go… get your tickets now
If there is a palpable growing sense of anticipation throughout the first act of this production of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, it’s easily explained; everyone is here to see one man, legendary pop star Donny Osmond who, at a sprightly 67 years old, is still a heart-throb for many of his generation.
His arrival on stage does not disappoint. Carried aloft on a glittering palanquin, it transforms the action from what has, until then, been the musical you might expect into a glorious Donny Osmond panto-routine, as screams of delight and extended applause greet him – forget ‘Puppy Love’, this is ‘Donny Love’ and there’s still a lot of it about. In return, the star’s easy banter, ad-libs and quips as he chats with his audience is a fine display of showmanship – at one point, he even throws his scarf to one excited fan in the stalls.
The whole scene is the highlight of the night, but then as Osmond reminds Filipe and audience alike, he did play the title role himself on more than 2,000 occasions… in a loincloth – in this production he sports a glittering, gold tartan kilt.
That said, Adam Filipe provides the other highlight of the evening, a blisteringly emotional performance of Close Every Door that is rewarded with show-stopping appreciation. Felipe matches Osmond step for step, note for note, while showing fond deference to the elder statesman of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s first staged collaboration together. Charismatic, with a nice line in arrogance when required and an incredible vocal range, Filipe is arguably the best Joseph ever.
Boasting a distinctly 70’s vibe, only right as the show did receive its professional World Premiere here in Edinburgh at the 1972 International Festival, this sung-through retelling of the Biblical parable of Joseph, dreamer and prodigal son, has evolved much since that first performance. Then it was only 35 minutes long, today’s production runs two hours and 20 minutes including interval but flies by.
In the absence of Christina Bianco, it falls to understudy Charley Warburton to drive forward the story and she proves a likeable, light and endearing stand-in with crystal clear vocals that are a delight to listen to as the story unfolds. An all singing, all dancing extravaganza this is a production that owes much to the hard work of choreographer Joann M Hunter whose set pieces are beautifully drilled and encompass disciplines as diverse as tap, line-dancing, cheer-leading and the Can-can, all of which director Laurence Connor ensures flow at an energetic pace.
That eight of the ensemble company are played by children, complete with fake beards, is a touch of creative genius that not only gives nod to the show’s origins as a school’s show but also brings additional and occasionally unexpected comedy to the piece.
Played out on Morgan Large’s simple but effective set design, which Ben Cracknell’s rich lighting brings to life, all the well-loved anthems of the show are en pointe, Any Dream Will Do, One More Angel in Heaven, Close Every Door and Go, Go, Go Joseph being insanely catchy even if one or two others could perhaps do with some pruning. A extra-special mention must go to flamboyant musical director, John Rigby, who, much to the delight of the audience, finds himself conducting them as well as his excellent nine-piece orchestra during the Act Two overture.
By the time the Joseph Megamix comes around to close the show, there’s hardly a bum left on a seat as the party kicks in, bringing a perfect family night of theatre to a fitting end. With a legend in Osmond and a rising star in Felipe, make no mistake, this Edinburgh run of Joseph is something very special. Event theatre no less. Go, go go… get your tickets now.
Run ends 29 December. Tickets here.
2025 Tour details and tickets here. Please note Donny Osmond is only appearing as Pharaoh in Edinburgh.
Cast and music are uplifting but DONNY is the STAR of the show, crowd goes nuts when he comes on, and as always puts everything and more into everything he does and playing the part of Pharaoh is no different.
Fabulous show, amazing music and an AWESOME DONNY OSMOND 😃
Please don’t miss this Fabulous show, so very good to see Donny Osmond in this show too.
This one show Not be missed .
WOW, sounds like I need to book & see this Show, everyone sounds incredible & Donny performing, well what can you say to that, always a pleasure to watch him ! x 🕺🏻👍🕺🏻👍🕺🏻👍🕺🏻👍