Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Review – Hull New Theatre
By Rachel Howard, March 2026
Despite hearing very good things about Hessle Theatre Company, it is still with a little trepidation that I take my seat for their most recent production – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
Most of the shows I go to are professional touring shows and, in the most part, it shows. Slick productions, amazingly talented casts and superb scenery, wardrobe and orchestra. So how will a local, not-for-profit company fair? Especially in the mammoth task of taking on Joseph – one of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s most loved and enduring musicals. With that in mind, I sit back and wait to see what they can deliver.
The story of Joseph is a well-known one, but for those not in the know, the musical follows the Biblical story of Jacob and his 12 sons – the favourite being Joseph, who is blessed with the ability to see the future via his vivid dreams. His father dotes on him, gifting him a coat of many colours to reflect his love. The other 11 brothers, feeling rather disgruntled, decide to sell Joseph to some Ishmaelites, who then take him to Egypt. The brothers inform their father that Joseph is dead, leaving him to grieve his most loved son.
Meanwhile, life is a rollercoaster for Joseph in Egypt – he is sold (again!) to tycoon Potiphar who, despite liking Joseph, soon takes a dislike to him when he thinks he is having an affair with his wife – landing Joseph in prison. However, news of Joseph’s special powers spike the interest of the Pharaoh. Once Joseph is out of jail, he soon becomes second-in-command and helps the Pharaoh guide the Egyptian people through a forthcoming famine.
Joseph’s brothers, now starving and poor, unknowingly grovel for food at the feet of the brother they betrayed. They fail to recognise him, so Joseph decides to test their integrity. When they pass his test, he reveals himself and the brothers are reconciled. Jacob learns his favourite son is alive, and returns the technicolour coat to its rightful owner.
“Production is huge”
Guiding the audience through the story is the Narrator, played tonight by Elinor Kirby. A commanding stage presence, enigmatic facial expressions and a powerhouse voice leave us in no doubt that we’re in good hands as she takes us through the ups and downs of Joseph’s journey.
Speaking of Joseph, it is Ben Bailey that takes on the towering challenge of this lead role. But he certainly doesn’t buckle under pressure. For a role that’s become so synonymous with actors including Jason Donovan and Lee Mead, he really makes it his own, and brings a great sense of vulnerability – and humour – to the character.
The cast for this production is huge, and unfortunately I don’t have space to mention everyone, but they all work together like a well-oiled machine. From Jacob (Kevin Hickson) to his other 11 sons, everyone gives it 100%. There are occasions where there are more than 40 people on stage at any given time, and not one person takes a wrong step. It’s a show that has obviously been rehearsed many, many times, and it’s paid off.
Special mention must be given to Christian Brodie as Pharaoh – a hilarious role that portrays the powerful Egyptian ruler as a camp, Elvis-inspired rock star that really gets the crowd going. Brodie shines on stage and ups the energy perfectly.
No review of this production would be complete without mentioning the children. Each performance has a team of 30 children who take to the stage throughout the show, singing and dancing their way through the musical in as professional a manner as you would expect to see in the West End. All 30 are faultless, engaged and fully immersed in the story. It’s a joy to watch and really brings the show alive.
“Absolutely delivered”
As much as I am impressed by the Hessle Theatre Company cast, I’m also wildly impressed by the behind-the-scenes staff, who have worked tirelessly to bring a first-class production to Hull New Theatre that really holds its own against professional touring shows.
Director Martin Beaumont, Musical Director Rebecca Barques, Choreographer Elise Johnson and Stage Manage Kieran Danby are a team that really know musical theatre. Everything is on point. Each of the 24 musical numbers flow seamlessly, the huge cast moves perfectly in sync across the stage, and the storyline sticks faithfully to the original Lloyd Webber/Rice classic.
The scenery is spectacular, using a clever combination of props, screens and effective lighting, taking us smoothly from the Egyptian desert to prison cells and back again. Wardrobe and makeup are dazzling, bringing a “technicolour” feast for the eyes, and the sound is spot on, enabling each of the musical numbers to really shine in their own right.
Hessle Theatre Company have absolutely delivered on what I look for in a perfect night at the theatre – a much-loved musical storyline, performed by a seriously talented cast, on a stage that’s a riot of colour and energy, culminating in a well-deserved standing ovation. Bravo to all involved!
And for those that formed Hessle Operatic and Dramatic Society over 100 years ago, would they have dared to dream that now, in 2026, the Company would still be going strong, delivering top-class shows to packed out audiences? Maybe not, but it just goes to show, Any Dream Will Do!
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at Hull New Theatre until 14th March
After studying English at university and having a lifelong love of writing, Rachel, a full-time editor, came to On Yorkshire in 2017 where she started off reviewing theatre productions in and around the East Yorkshire area. That love of theatre soon expanded into hotels, restaurants and travel, not to mention becoming one of On Yorkshire’s resident beauty editors, reviewing the latest products, spas and treatments. Rachel loves to sample the very best Yorkshire and the UK have to offer in order to bring you the low down on the high life!
Knowing this company well, I am not surprised by this wonderful review. Just a shame there was no mention for the musicians.!