[Ad-gifted] Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, an amateur production arrives at Buxton Opera House and here’s Metia Bethell’s review of this vibrant musical!
Last day of April brings a cloudless and surprisingly warm and sunny evening drive into Buxton. “What can you say about it?” my husband asks, as we take our seats in the stalls at the Opera House. “I mean, it’s been played thousands of times. Surely everyone knows the story by now.” “Well, yes. Of course it’s been done many times over,” I replied, “but it’s about how it’s interpreted, and played and sung…”
In 1968, two young men – Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice – took a commission for a school Easter concert. Inspired by the actions of Joseph as recounted in the Bible in Genesis, they penned what was then a 20-minute musical featuring an eclectic mix of song styles – thus Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat was born. It quickly blossomed into a stage hit that has been reinterpreted and reenacted from London to Broadway and everywhere in between.
What we thought of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat?
Tonight’s performance is an amateur production, but let there be no mistake – it’s as good a production as any, and is packed with warmth and integrity from the first twitch of the conductor’s baton down in the orchestra pit. The stage is bathed in technicolour. The costumery balances earthy matte shades with the glitter of a thousand sequins, and the props and backdrops take us effortlessly and seamlessly from Canaan to Egypt as we are swept up in Joseph’s fall and rise.
You cannot beat live music in the theatre, and the orchestra was a treat – there was a moment when the violin solo filled the auditorium that was a particular joy – and the choir and singing quartet produced harmonies you couldn’t get a knife through, so tightly sung were they. Our narrators, Maria and Chris, also sang beautifully, and they linked the show from scene to scene with just the right amount of presence. Joseph (Ross Clifton) was a fantastic lead with an awesome voice, looking fabulous in his multi-coloured coat, and very buff in a loincloth behind his prison bars. The dancers, who were all pretty young, literally threw themselves into their moves with terrific energy.
Pharoah (Matt Bond) was dazzling too, although at one point his singing became drowned by the orchestra. I guess there might have been a slight technical hitch with mic volumes there, but it was dealt with most professionally. In the house there was a near-full audience of all ages, and by the time that Joseph and his brothers were reunited in Egypt, we were on our feet to show appreciation in a well-earned standing ovation.
A musical like this does not need to be reinterpreted or given a different take; it needs to be interpreted well, and I feel that this company have done exactly that. The songs, many of which need no introduction (Any dream will do, Close every door, Those Canaan days…) are as eclectic and popular as ever. This musical was bursting with vigour, deeply entertaining and guaranteed a great night out. And that’s what I can say about it!
The Cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Ross Clifton – Joseph
Maria Dunford and Chris Blackshaw – narrators
Matt Bond – Pharaoh
Barrie Goodwin – Jacob
Tavis Hill – Reuben/baker
Christopher Sherborne – Simeon
Anthony Longden-Kirk – Levi/Potiphar
Joe Torkington – Naphtali
Hannah Spencer – Issachar
Kiron Griffin – Asher
Katherine Cooke – Dan (narrator on 3 May)
Karina Tomlinson – Zebulan/Mrs Potiphar
Chris Betton – Gad/Understudy Pharaoh
George Edwards – Benjamin/Butler/Understudy Joseph
Matthew Lovatt-Wood – Judah
Rachel Taft, Verity Edwards, Hannah Goodwin, Beckie Timms – singing quartet
Dancers: Lily Bell, Abbie Faulkner, Caleb Hall, Lucy Johnson, Charlie Mannion, Kayla Waters
Choir: Elizabeth Braddock, Athena Clarke, Janette Clough, Laura Cosby, Rosie Hall, Rose Heathcote, Jane Lowther, Sue Morgan, Natalie Osmond, Linda Wain, Michele Watson, Glynis Wells
Creative Team
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Paul Kerryson – Director
Sarah Kell – Producer
Tracey Illiffe – Choreographer
Richard Atkinson – Musical Supervisor
Helen Washington – Musical Director
Ian Tregaskis – Set Designer
Tom Davis – Lighting Designer
Justin Teasdale – Sound Designer
Vicki Louise Smith – Costume Designer
Chris le Good – Costume Supervisor
Pippa Kay – Company Stage Manager
Fiona Mott – Deputy Stage Manager
Ashley Way – Sound No 1/Operator
Keith Worlock – Scenic Construction
Jade Hughes – Scenic Artist
Barry Hope – Head of Production
Pete Cirillo/Matt Cowan – Deputy Heads of Technical
Jack Cirillo – Head Flyman
How much are the tickets for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat?
Tickets are on sale now, priced from £22 to £24. Matcham members get 12% discount and groups of eight or more are £5 off.
How do I book tickets to watch Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat?
Booking info: You can book tickets online, in person at the booking office or by phone. Call the Opera House on 01298 72190 or visit buxtonoperahouse.org.uk.
The booking office is normally open from 10am to 6pm on weekdays. When there is a performance, it is open until 8pm on weekdays, also 12pm to 6pm on Saturdays and 4pm to 8pm on Sundays.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The performance will be running until Monday, 4 May 2026 at 7.30pm with a matinee show on Saturday at 2pm, signed show at 3pm (Sunday) and another afternoon show at 3pm on Monday at Buxton Opera House. The show starts at 7.30pm and runs for 2 hours. There is a 20-minute interval.
Where is Buxton Opera House?
Water street
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 6XN
boxoffice@boh.org.uk
Parking/Drinks
There are plenty of pay-and-display off-road parking spaces available round the venue (but please make sure that you avoid the Residents Parking Scheme areas), but these get taken fairly quickly. There are free parking after 6pm in the car park behind Pavilion Gardens, a short walk from both venues. Alternatively, you can park in the large two-storey car park off Burlington Road and take a pleasant five-minute walk down to the venue past the Pavilion Arts Centre, or through the park. Electric car charging is available at The Lee Wood Hotel and The Old Manse Guesthouse at the discretion of the guesthouse/hotel.
Drinks are available from one of the bars at the Opera House. Ice creams are also usually served. Just outside the Opera House is the Old Club House, where you can get food. There is also a selection of bars and restaurants nearby.
Please note that Monday 4 May will be very busy in Buxton, as May Day celebrations are planned.
The train station is also a ten minute walk from the Opera House and operates a regular service from Manchester Piccadilly calling at all stations to Buxton.
About Buxton Opera House
Buxton Opera House is a beautiful Edwardian theatre in Buxton, Derbyshire, England, designed by Frank Matcham. Opened in 1903, this Edwardian Baroque style building was later restored in 2001, It is one of the finest examples of his theatre design and is a key part of Buxton’s thriving cultural scene. The theatre hosts a diverse range of performances, including opera, musical concerts, comedy, and more.
Review By: Metia Bethell
You may also want to read this:
Review: The Elves and the Shoemaker at Pavilion Arts Centre
Review: Spitfire Girls at Buxton Opera House
Review: A Fairytale for Christmas at Buxton Opera House
Review: James Bond Concert Spectacular at Buxton Opera House
Photo Credit: Buxton Opera House/Graeme Braidwood
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
14 comments
This is one of the best musicals of all time. I love their approach. I’d love to see this one in person.
Hope you do get the chance Beth!
I’ve never seen this musical, but it looks so beautiful! I have heard so many good things about it. Maybe I’ll have to push this further up on my list of things to see this year.
Yes you definitely need to add this to your list to see
I love this musical and remember taking my mum for her birthday years ago to see it. I love musicals like this and would definitely see this musical again
Agree, it is such a good night out especially if you are going on a date night or heading out with your family
I went to one of these, and the choreography was absolutely stunning! One of the best shows to attend for sure.
How wonderful to hear that, so glad you enjoyed it
Their costumes looked so fantastic! I do struggle when the music is louder than the actors – there are so many shows that have that problem
I agree, and yes their costumes were out of this world!
They actually had a showing of this near me recently, different cast/production etc, but it looked SO good. I was a bit late to realising it was out, but I’d have loved to have gone. It sounds like a wonderful show!
Nothing like supporting your local theatre Claire, hope you can watch it once it returns
The play seems amazing wow…And the costumes, ammmmmmazing and so colorful. I would love to see it in person. I love musicals.
It was worth watching it Karen, the cast was so talented