25 February 2010 at 22:07
12 shows a week – in February? Certainly not the norm for Skegness – as a venue we are used to the nightly schedule but traditionally “one-nighters” - to sustain this run at almost full capacity each performance (bar the one house only half full) we proved that Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat was just the Tonic needed for a miserable – wet ½ term week at the Seaside!
As a stage and proscenium designed in the 70’s predominately for live bands and variety the amount of set-dressing and staging was scaled down to work within our space – I doubt it’s absence was even noticed by the audience as the comments and praise received and overheard as every house spilled out into the next body of people eagerly waiting their turn in the foyer.
“There’s simply no excuse Polly” I am told firmly by one of my Usherettes - “12 shows it’s about time you watched one too, not just curtain-up!” So, doing as I was told, show number 10 there I sat in front of the orchestra to concentrate – for once – on enjoying the performance rather than clock watching and hustling the programme/ice cream/merch/ticket sellers and bar into preparation for the 15 min interval stampede!
Hell – they know what they are doing I’m going to relax and enjoy the show!
Craig Chalmers headlines the tour (until July) along with his stalwart fans on the front row – sorry ladies did not get your names but we all enjoyed your dancing! Craig wowed every audience this week with his unarguable ability, humour and delicious Glaswegian lilt – especially delighting the evening fans by signing his new CD in the bar following the show (sans Loin cloth!)
Sat 2pm was the turn of Brother No.8 - Swing; Stephen Kirwan. Let’s just say I didn’t choose this performance by chance – I nearly always choose to see the understudies.
Facially not dissimilar, in my opinion, to the recently/sadly departed Steven Gately who of course donned the Dreamcoat in London 2003. This guy was perfectly cast in the role - why then was this the worst attended of all the shows? I can only concur that although not essential to the credibility and quality of a stage production TV celebrities still have a pull on the theatre going public and as proved by recent studies the much maligned “talent” shows such as “any dream will do” and “I’ll do anything” have done wonders for the audience demographics within our UK theatres over the last 3 yrs – like it or not - don’t knock it – everyone benefits!
Stephen and the cast of Joseph gave an energy packed top notch performance blazing through the well known gospel-rock-pop soundtrack backed by the angelic and equally enthusiastic Joseph choir local children from Skegness who have been rehearsing months prior to the show arriving – Lisa Jay Stage Institute and Janice Sutton Stage School students – I did notice one or 2 yawns from one particularly tiny chorister – well stifled though – poor babe must be exhausted!
My ultimate favourite numbers would have to be Captain Potiphar in Act 1 and the hip swivelling Pharaoh/Elvis in Act 2 – phew – what genius created these assimilations? The same collaboration who managed to crow-bar a Parisian Ballad, Calypso Medley and a Hillbilly Hoedown into this tale Based on the "coat of many colors" story of Joseph from the Hebrew Bible's Book of Genesis.
As proved by the continuing gruelling touring schedule Joseph has to be one of the biggest sucesses around pleasing young and old in equal measure.
This is the second time Skegness has hosted Josph – previously in 2006 and it still proves to pull the crowd even out of season – could it take a 3rd return in 2014? Lets see.
The Joseph Tour continues to the High Wycombe Theatre Feb 22nd – 27th.
(Please note this is a personal review)
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