Review: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat – Portsmouth Players, New Theatre Royal

What the hell am I watching? It's a question I found myself asking more than once during Portsmouth Players' production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at New Theatre Royal. And do you know what? I think that's exactly the point.

I've seen Joseph a few times over the years, and while I've always enjoyed it, I've never quite got it. The professional touring productions I've seen have often felt a little lacklustre, with naff props, inflatable sheep and, on one occasion, a Joseph wearing Ugg boots. I'm fairly sure that's not historically accurate!

But after watching Portsmouth Players' production, I think I've finally understood what makes this show work. Everything about its visuals is meant to be a little off-centre, a little unpolished and completely bonkers. And when you look at it that way, it lends itself perfectly to community theatre and school productions, where imagination, enthusiasm and a willingness to embrace the ridiculous can really shine.

The theatre was packed, which was such a lovely thing to see. Having watched two local productions over the last week, it's clear that Portsmouth really does get behind its theatre community. With both New Theatre Royal and King's Theatre Portsmouth putting on local productions throughout the year, we're lucky to have venues that keep community theatre alive, showcase the immense talent in the area and give the theatre stars of tomorrow a platform to shine.

And Joseph certainly gives everyone plenty of opportunities to shine!

For anyone unfamiliar with the story, Joseph is Jacob's favourite son, whose eleven brothers become rather jealous when he's given a spectacular technicolour dreamcoat. Things take a turn when they conspire against him, eventually selling him into slavery. But Joseph has a talent for interpreting dreams, which catches the attention of the Pharaoh (essentially Elvis in ancient Egypt), helping him rise to power and eventually reunite with his family when famine strikes. The brothers are forgiven, the family is reunited, and everyone lives happily ever after. Simple enough, right?

Well, not quite!

The story is traditionally pieced together by a narrator, who guides us through the action between songs. This production featured two narrators working together, with Emily Horner and Kayleigh Pendry sharing the role and creating some lovely harmonies along the way. It was a really nice touch that added something special to the storytelling.

And then there's the music. Honestly, the musical styles in this show are absolutely crackers. We've got Elvis as the Pharaoh, a French lament from the brothers, a calypso number pleading innocence and a whole host of other musical styles thrown into the mix. There are moments when you genuinely wonder what on earth you're watching, but that's precisely why Joseph has endured for so long. It doesn't take itself seriously, and neither should we. It's gloriously silly, wonderfully theatrical and enormous fun.

Archie Mac was incredibly well cast in the titular role, delivering a note-perfect, full-throttle performance of Close Every Door that filled the packed theatre. It was a real highlight and a reminder of just how powerful this show can be when the casting is right.

It was also lovely to see Ben Irish back on stage as Judas, having impressed me so much as Brit in We Will Rock You last week. It's a smaller role for him here, but he still managed to stand out.

Stuart Warner's Pharaoh was clearly an audience favourite, bringing plenty of Elvis-inspired fun to the role. There were a few technical issues that made some of his vocals difficult to hear, which was a shame, but you can't deny the appeal of a rock 'n' roll king popping up in the middle of a biblical story. Who doesn't love a bit of Elvis in ancient Egypt?

But for me, one of the biggest delights of the entire production was the young cast. We had Team Stars for our performance, and every single one of them absolutely lived up to that name. Their choreography was fantastic, and watching the joy on their faces as they performed was genuinely heartwarming. They looked as though they were having the time of their lives, and that enthusiasm was infectious.

It's so important that productions like this exist. They give young performers the opportunity to learn, grow in confidence, make friends and experience the magic of being on stage. Who knows how many future theatre professionals, performers and backstage creatives are getting their first taste of that world through productions like this? Even for those who never pursue it professionally, the experience is something they'll carry with them.

This production is also particularly special because it marks the fourth and final show in Portsmouth Players' centenary year. What a way to round off 100 years of bringing theatre to local audiences!

There's something rather fitting about ending a centenary year with a story about resilience, overcoming adversity and continuing to believe in your dreams. Joseph goes from being betrayed by his own family to finding his place in the world, and perhaps that's not such a bad message for anyone pursuing a life in the performing arts. There will be setbacks, there will be challenges, and sometimes you'll find yourself wondering what on earth is going on, but you keep going.

All in all, Portsmouth Players have delivered a hugely enjoyable production that is well cast, full of energy and great fun for all the family. I've finally stopped questioning the madness of Joseph and started appreciating it for exactly what it is.

So, if you're looking for a show packed with colourful costumes, wonderfully ridiculous musical numbers, Elvis-inspired biblical shenanigans and a whole lot of local talent, this is one to put on your list.

Congratulations to Portsmouth Players on a fantastic production and an incredible centenary year. Here's to the next 100 years of keeping local theatre alive and giving the stars of tomorrow their chance to shine!

You can catch Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at New Theatre Royal Portsmouth until Saturday. Tickets are available here > https://www.newtheatreroyal.com/whats-on/joseph-2026/

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