13/06/2026
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
presented by Camden Musical Society
Director: Alfie Walker
Musical Director: Michael Jiear
Choreographer: Amy Fitzpatrick
Camden Musical Society did themselves proud on their opening night of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Camden Civic Centre.
The interpretation of this story of Joseph from the bible's Book of Genesis took on an interesting spin. This production has three narrators telling the story of Joseph, who is the favourite son of Jacob. To show his love, Jacob gives Joseph a multicoloured coat. This infuriates his jealous brothers who try to kill him then change their minds and sell him as a slave. The story continues, told entirely through song, telling the adventures of Joseph and his family.
The creatives involved in bringing this story to life, including Creative Director Kerrie Jiear, cleverly sets this biblical story in the 1970's. This is evident from the beginning as you enter the auditorium. The stage is set with children in tie dyed T-shirts and flared jeans. As you take your seat and wait for the curtain to open, the children are in front of the curtain, playing familiar childhood games like hopscotch and elastics. Immediately the audience feels included, part of the fun, drawn in by the happy smiling children enjoying themselves.
From the moment the curtain opens the energy and joy of the cast fills the room. The three narrators dressed in 70's trouser suits are cleverly cast, setting the scene, telling the story and guiding the audience through this ancient biblical tale. These three powerhouse singers, Rowena Michael, Emily Boardman and Nicole Cini not only set the scene they also set the bar for the entertainment to follow. These ladies can sing! Each of them is unique in character and style. Through beautiful songs, engaging personalities, many gorgeous costumes and individual performances, their storytelling invites and involves the audience to come along on Joseph's journey and to become part of his story.
Once the audience meets Joseph it is easy to believe in him. The young actor Yacoub Hanania is outstanding. His voice, like his coat, is truly amazing! This is one of those rare moments when you can truly believe that an actor was born to play this role. His voice is perfect and his versions of Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door are truly special. Hanania brings Joseph's character to life in a way that the audience can believe in and feel his pain and sorrow.
The comic flare and energy of David Gordon and Cameron Anderson in various roles cannot be ignored. Without giving too much away, they mix biblical characters with icons of the 70's making cameo appearances during the show!
The large ensemble cast is fabulous. Each and every member developed their own character and personality. By the end of the show the audience feels as if they know them all and have partnered with them as they share Joseph's story.
A huge shout out to Charlotte Skinner. Her enthusiasm and joy was infectious! The energy and passion of all of the children was fabulous, their singing and dancing was engaging, with the audience clapping and toe tapping along at every opportunity.
A huge part of the experience was the brilliant costumes. They were vibrant and full of creativity and colour. Each character was dressed to showcase their character and impress the audience. The amazing technicolor coat was stunning, cleverly designed and literally lit up the stage. Truly the leader of the wardrobe pack!
Congratulations to the director Alfie Walker and the choreographer Amy Fitzpatrick. Together they created their own version of the show, mentored and inspired an amazing cast transporting the audience to another place and time. The cast excelled under this leadership, despite the difficulties with the sound in the second act. It was a testament to all that the cast maintained professionalism continuing with the show, projecting their voices and not once letting technical issues spoil or interfere with the show.
Add to this the simple, yet effective set and you were truly transported back to the 70's, yet with the feel of ancient biblical times. A minimalist set was utilised encouraging the imagination and bringing to life the spirit of the show. A truly clever accomplishment!
All of this was enhanced by one of the stars of the show-the lighting. So seemingly simple, yet so effective. The lighting helped create the atmosphere and mood, highlighting the energy and joy of the characters and also bringing to life the dark despair of Joseph's lowest moments.
No musical show can go on and triumph without the Musical Director and their talented musicians. Hats off to Michael Jiear whose direction of all musicians, solo artists and big chorus numbers was impressive.
This theatrical offering was a refreshing and entertaining experience with a unique interpretation of a well loved story. What particularly resonated was the inclusive and diverse cast, adding to the joy and fun of the night. So, invite your friends and family to the newly renovated Camden Civic Centre to enjoy this show and to feel the warmth of a time gone by.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is showing until 21 June so get your own coats on and buy your tickets to this must see production
Donna Shevlin
RizzieReviews