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Review: Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Fairfield Halls in Croydon (From Fulham Guardian)
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Review: Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Fairfield Halls in Croydon
5:16pm Tuesday 13th July 2010
It may not have the glitz of the Apollo or the glamour of the Lyceum but Fairfield Halls certainly felt like it was in the West End on Monday as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat began its week-long run.
Bill Kenwright's production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice classic is full of big show-stopping numbers and a massive set that leaves you expecting to emerge on to the Strand rather than Wellesley Road.
Being a Joseph virgin I must admit I wasn't sure what to expect - I certainly didn't see Elvis or a Brazilian samba dance routine coming - but I came out singing Go Go Joseph over and over again.
Craig Chalmers, who, after three years, performs as Joseph for the last time on Friday night before handing his multi-coloured coat to Keith Jack, showed why he had been in the role for so long with a stirring performance touched with emotion.
Trina Hall almost stole the show off him with a magnificent performance as the narrator while special mention should also go to the children from the Bright Sparks Performers Theatre and Dance Academy who made up the choir and stayed on stage for the whole two hours.
The only downside was it was sometimes difficult to understand exactly what the characters were saying and it was rather hot in the Ashcroft Theatre.
The heat was pushed to the back of my mind by the rousing finale though which was probably milked out a little too long but was really quite enjoyable and got everyone standing on their feet and clapping away as the dancers sang and danced up and down the aisles.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, July 14 and 15 1.30pm and 7.30pm, 16 5pm and 8pm and 17 2pm, 5pm and 8pm, £21 to £27. Call 020 8688 9291 or visit fairfield.co.uk.
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Handing over the reigns: Outgoing Joseph Craig Chalmers hands his coat to replacement Keith Jack
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