Reader Reviews
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (New London Theatre, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Of course it has faults but, and this is the brilliance of the piece, it entrances children and adults alike. I have seen it twice before at the NT. Last Tuesday, when I took a friend's two sons, i felt the staging at the NT had the edge, but that is really a small criticism when the strength of the play is in the magnificent puppet horses and the performance of Joey's young owner, Albert Narracott, played movingly by Robert Emms, whose unfaltering faith in finding Joey alive in France is inspirational and gives the story its heart - a triumph. - rds | 19 Feb 10 |
| Glad to see Matthew Hanbury back in Joseph.Lets keep him in please, he is great as a brother. - 212.139.101.174) | 21 Jun 05 |
| Thank you to Trevor Jary for coming back as Pharoah, he slipped back into the role as if he had never been away,love his facial expressions.What a fantastic performance. Well done to all the cast for a high energy wonderful 2 hours of happiness.I wanted to turn right round and go back in the theatre and see it again, but had to catch a train back to Brum. If you are feeling down go and see Joseph, your spirits will be lifted.Loved it. Lynda R - 80.43.155.137) | 22 Apr 05 |
| Came back home elated after seeing this stunning performance of Joseph! The entire production was fantastic but have to give special mention to our friend, Simon Bailey, who was SUPERB!! Keep that hair flicking!! Tel + Jen - 81.158.134.13) | 01 Apr 05 |
| Real good. Simon Bailey was AMAZING! And cute, and really nice.OK, I sort of have a crush on him. Vivenne has a lovely voice. I was in the choir when H was there and I not sure I agree with everyone else that Simon Gorton is better. H was pritty good. Anyway, brill show, and being in the choir was great! - 81.152.127.13) | 31 Mar 05 |
| Simon Gorton is Oh my gosh GORGEOUs!!! Absoloutly fell in love with him in 2 hours! He has an amazing voice + is great in the role of Joseph. Wow I want 2 Marry him!! - 195.93.21.97) | 29 Mar 05 |
| Right where to start. As a teenager going to see a show lightly based on a Biblical story I wasn't to impressed. Then walking past the modern and trendly pub on the opposite road into a dull, tacky...and to be honest crap theatre, my cheeks could not hide the embarrassment. I sat down in a weird chair to the amazement of nothing...the lights went down, yeah but for nearly five minutes we must have listened to nearly all of the songs played by a single keyboard. Oh and it don't stop there... Ok the songs are surprisingly cathcy but, dear lord, the acting was terrible and slightly camp. Joseph was as likeable as a happy Margaret Thatcher. And to gain attention he would show his teeth, just to make it even more that bit cheesy. ... ... Is it over you're all wondering. Nope final song then a encore of literally all of the songs. They also made it seem as though they never actually tried to show off the colour dreamcoat untill the end where they must have pulled bits of tissue out of it about three times. ... ... Nearly there you're wondering. ... ... Nope! They run off the stage and sing a dozen more songs, making you join in. What fun, the chair was so oddly built that if I slighlty moved the thing would come off its hinge. ... ... Its over! You leave the theatre...slightly confused and a new found obbession to the Eurovision Song Contest. (Mind you, my mum thought it was great!) - 195.93.34.12) | 01 Jan 05 |
| The show is great! Simon Gorton plays Joseph really well, Vivianne is stunning as the narrator and woah Simon Bailey...no words can describe how great he is! OK, I'm slightly biased from being in the show but I still think it's great and what makes it better is that the cat are genuinely lovely people! Come and see it again guys! - 217.43.9.222) | 19 Dec 04 |
| What a load of silly old queens we have bickering on this board! Who cares if they can or can't spell? Did they enjoy the show (as a whole)? What about the other cast members? Really! - 81.156.60.191) | 16 Dec 04 |
| I went to see joseph last night, having hated it the last few times I'v been, but that was when H was Joseph. last night Simon Gorton was joseph. And he did a fantastic job he had all the qualities in a good performer. I went to watch with some female friends who also could not take their eyes of Simon, for different reasons Im sure but they still thaught he was great at singing and acting and generaly looking good. - 195.93.34.12) | 07 Nov 04 |
| how long is joseph running for? - 62.252.64.30) | 07 Nov 04 |
| I really don't mind pointing out spelling mistakes to people who try to call other people 'uneducated' just because they don't agree with their opinions. If you find that ironic, then that's up to you. Each to their own - who are you to judge anyone else as inferior because they don't share your view? In my opinion Simon Gorton does an OK job in the lead role of Joseph, but I don't think he's a patch on H who, no matter what his background may be, has shown his talent and commitment to West End theatre this year. He has the all-round talent to forge a successful career whereas, IMHO, Simon Gorton has a lot of work still to do. He just doesn't have the star quality that I like to see when I see a performer in a lead role in a musical. H did. End of! ;-) - 195.93.34.9) | 04 Nov 04 |
| Thanks 'm' for pointing out my spelling mistake - how Ironic!! - 62.231.136.22) | 01 Nov 04 |
| I have seen the show several times with a variety of actors taking the role of Joseph. Simon Gorton is by far the best. It is refreshing to see that the management are using professionally trained actors as opposed to well meaning pop stars. Simon Gorton has a wonderful voice and strong stage presence. He is a pleasure to watch as are all the cast. An excellent show - 82.43.44.15) | 31 Oct 04 |
| "Its not the best choice of words and makes you come across as very uneduacated." Words fail me!! Someone who doesn't even have a grasp of basic grammar, let alone spelling, has NO room to criticise anyone else on those issues! As for the various opinions which have been expressed recently on Simon's Gorton's performance in the lead role of Joseph: that's all they are. Personally I don't rate him very highly - having seen over half a dozen different performers in the lead role, he is far from my favourite. However, he isn't quite the worst and good luck to him in making the most of the opportunity he has been given. - 195.93.34.11) | 30 Oct 04 |
| thank you for your comments jo, enjoy the show nexttime you see it. - 62.231.136.22) | 29 Oct 04 |
| to the third person who left a message on the 26th oct, hes not trying to get another shoot at fame, being in musicals is somethings hes always wanted to do. Bet you didn't know that do you? - 62.252.64.30) | 28 Oct 04 |
| Regarding the reviewer below, It wasnt my comment under fire, it was general but thanks for yor comments. I could have used very different words to describe what I thought of SGs performance when I saw it the first time but I have better manners and didnt want to use language like that on a family board. Crap seemed a good alternative, it states the obvious without being too rude! SG is however (and ive said it before) well worth seeing now and after seeing it again soon, im sure I will be saying he has improved even more.(If I thought he was that rubbish I wouldnt have wasted my hard earned money on buying full priced tickets!) My last review doesnt make me seem "uneducated" as you put it but shows im someone with a different opinion to others below and being "educated" in theatre has nothing at all to do with how I find a performance. Im there to be entertained. If im not entertained and leave the theatre thinking ive wasted my money I wouldnt say it was a good performance would you? Ive seen Joseph quite a few times, with 4 different Josephs and SG isnt the best by a long shot im afraid but thats MY opinion,take it or leave it! I would have thought I came across as already having an open mind seeing as I have already stated in previous posts that ive been back since to see Simon G in Joseph and was definatly more impressed the second time round. I could have just come on here and slagged the poor guy off straight away but I decided to see him again before I gave a review. Some people are never happy! :-) Im not starting any arguements,mearly explaining and answering your reply to my post, no offence meant. - 62.253.96.44) | 27 Oct 04 |
| i went to see Joeseph last night and it was fantastic, not only was his voice georgeous but he is to xxx - 195.93.34.12) | 26 Oct 04 |
| With regards to your comments Jo it is no wonder someone has called your comments 'complete rubbish' especially when you desribe someones performance as 'crap'. Its not the best choice of words and makes you come across as very uneduacated. Perhaps you and others like yourself should re think your choice of words. I am glad you are going back again - you should keep an open mind. - 62.231.136.22) | 26 Oct 04 |
| i dont know what u peeps are talking about when u say SG is rubbish. he is amazing. At least he isnt some old pop star trying to get a second taste of fame. Sorry H but its true. His voice is georgeous and if anyone says otherwise then they have a major problem. - 195.93.34.12) | 26 Oct 04 |
| The comments arent "complete rubbish" they are peoples comments, thats the whole point of this section of the board!! For me SG was crap when I saw him the first time, and yes I was watching the same show as YOU! As I said below he has improved so much over the last 2 months(ish!) and well done to him, so much so im going back again very soon! - 62.253.96.44) | 26 Oct 04 |
| Hi I'm in the choir and have done the show for the last week so everyone who saw it for the past week what did you think of the singing in the show? From girl in red team!!!! - 62.253.64.18) | 25 Oct 04 |
| I saw Simon Gorton in Joseph on Saturday 23rd of October - he was fantastic. He has an amazing voice and is very pleasing to watch. I have read some of the other reviews that have been written about Simons performance and wonder if these people were actually watching the same person as i was. Everybody is entitled to their opinion but not if the comments they make are complete rubbish. His performance was full of emotion, his voice was beautiful and he really made you want to watch him. I strongly suggest others educate themselves before making any kind of comment. Well done to Simon - finally someone worth watching in the lead role. - 62.231.136.22) | 25 Oct 04 |
| I TOTALY AGREE!!! - 62.252.64.19) | 22 Oct 04 |
| Ive said it before and ill say it again, just because YOU dont like someone in Joseph (or anything else for that matter) doesnt mean other people "have no idea" as you put it, it just means that YOU dont like one person over another regardless of weather you were head of the choir, wardrobe staff or chief loin cloth polisher! If youre going to review something review it by all means but there no point in telling people they dont know their own opinions!! Simon Gorton was, to me, boring and totally rubbish when I saw him a few weeks ago but after going again when he had settled in I can say he has improved 100%! He didnt have as much stage appeal as H did, H was brilliant and very entertaining, including having an excellent voice I could listen to for hours (im slightly biased!) but I did think Simon G was much more watchable than before. The show is still worth seeing,definatly and even though H is no longer in the production Im going again very soon. The rest of the cast are amazing too. Im not too sure how you can review a show when youre "eyes front" all the time but there you go!! ;-) - 62.253.96.44) | 21 Oct 04 |
| I thought h was very good when I saw him. - 62.252.64.15) | 20 Oct 04 |
| None of you have any idea. I used to be choir captain of the choir, and I have seen Steven Gately, Lee Waterworth, Darren Day and H in the role of Joseph. Also I have seen both the old and new cast of all the other characters. H was ok as Joseph, but his voice doesn't have the power for a west end show. Also, the new cast has nowhere near the energy of the old cast, and its not the same show anymore. Its a bore! - 194.81.101.91) | 18 Oct 04 |
| Saw it last night and it was great! Thoroughly enjoyable evening. Having read the reviews about Simon Gorton and the new production, I was prepared for a disappointment but I left thinking "what the hell was everyone moaning about on this site?". Simon has a good voice and the narrator was fantastic. The show is full of energy and is pure fun throughout. The only negatives I would point out are the fact that some of the songs were cut short from the original which didn't sound right. Unfortunately, Pharoah was really weak - his voice cracked and he wasn't the best. Still, I would definitely recommend the show - a great fun night out. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.231.138.34) | 05 Oct 04 |
| To girl from the choir. What team are you in? I'm in red and Simon Schofield is BUFF!!!!!!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.64.167.72) | 04 Oct 04 |
| Saw Simon G a few weeks ago and hes ok, not the best. Hes got a nice enough voice but like someone below said not enough stage presence. He was unconvincing in some parts and TOTALLY unconvincing in the rest! Nothing a few lessons in showing emotion wouldnt cure. Im seeing him again very soon, going to see a few other cast members,not him but hopefully he has settled into the role more now. Just one last thing, could Mr Gorton PLEASE get a new pair of gold trousers??!! Hs ones were very flattering and he looked totally gorgeous. Simons ones are crap, totally unflattering and look like theyve been nicked from the local Indian Takeaway!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.96.44) | 26 Sep 04 |
| hi girl from choir here again just to let u all know that 1-Bill Kenright was in watching simon g last night and he said he was brilliant and 2-there was a bomb scare down drury lane last night. ps simon schofield (Benjamin) is really gorgeus!!!!!!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.255.64.8) | 26 Sep 04 |
| now im in the choir and ive been doing it for a month. none of us wanted h to leave but simon g is doing a really great job. its a shame that some1 else is taking over soon. :-( - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.255.64.8) | 26 Sep 04 |
| I hate to give a bad review to what I think is a great show, but I had the misfortune of seeing Simon Gorton in the lead role recently and he just wasn't up to scratch. I'm sure he's a lovely guy and his voice is nice enough - it's just that he doesn't have much stage presence and his acting is totally unconvincing. I hope a decent replacement is announced soon - someone with a bit more stagecraft is needed to do this production (and the generally superb supporting cast) justice. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 21 Sep 04 |
| i dont have a clue who simon gorton is but he can not be better than h - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 19 Sep 04 |
| simon gorton is brilliant as joseph-so much better than H!have seen the show several times,fantastic!can't wait to see it again. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 19 Sep 04 |
| hi its rosie again! i haven't left a message here for ages! and incase you hadn't gessed from otha previous messages (1st june 04- 8th august) i am BLONDE and proud of it! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 16 Sep 04 |
| hi its rosie again! i haven't left a message here for ages! and incase you hadn't gessed from otha previous messages (1st june 04- 8th august) i am BLONDE and proud of it! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 16 Sep 04 |
| hi its rosie again! i haven't left a message here for ages! and incase you hadn't gessed from otha previous messages (1st june 04- 8th august) i am BLONDE and proud of it! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 16 Sep 04 |
| hi its rosie again! i haven't left a message here for ages! and incase you hadn't gessed from otha previous messages (1st june 04- 8th august) i am BLONDE and proud of it! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 16 Sep 04 |
| who is that? cos who eva it is i dont really care cos im like, gonna totaly ignore it! :D :p :) d:) (*^_^*) (",) lol - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 16 Sep 04 |
| You maffs is aus bod as min english...xxx marry me. Leeny Lock Pockets I mean Bill Kenwright pays his footballers thousands! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.78.206.63) | 16 Sep 04 |
| does any one know what (4x7)+2-5= ? because its in my maths homework and i don't have a clue! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 15 Sep 04 |
| i give mant thanks to last person who wrote in the guestbook. I mean all you boring people who are iving it 1 or 2 satrs are absoloutley CRAZY! your obvisouly all expecting something serious! so if you want that why are you going to see. face it. Times change and musicals change. if you want it to be perfect you know, they YOU want it to be, the why don't you become the director? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 15 Sep 04 |
| HEY LOOK all those people r out there putting 1 star 2star and complaining well they have no sense of humor. id love to see them get on that stage and sing and act wat a joke. one person said wats the piont of having cheerleaders and backgrounds, for crist sake i mean it be just plain boring, dur its a pantomine if u lik serious and depressing stuff go see phatom of the opera. if u dont like pantomimes well dont go to them.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the show is BRILLIANT - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.255.64.8) | 06 Sep 04 |
| im in the choir for this show and its brilliant especially with H in. wheneva im not singing im always thinking about it and wishing i was singing now. although were not supposed to look at the satge im always sneaking glances especially in the benjamin callipso!!!!!!if u havent seen it u dont know wat your missing. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.255.64.8) | 06 Sep 04 |
| No-one can say any of them are truely crap. In my opinion H is far better performance wise than Andrew D. More emotion (me thinks those tears were real!) and far more believable. Theres bound to be someone right behind me saying the opposite. People who come on to a review site and say "such and such was crap" are very narrow minded. If either AD or H WERE crap, they would have been booted out ages ago!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.96.44) | 05 Sep 04 |
| what is sliced fairy cake? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 03 Sep 04 |
| you guys are so evil! why don't you like H? could i have some back up here from every one else that H does ACTUALLY have more better reviews than you precious Andrew Derbyshire and why excactly are all of you people going to see the same show about 1 millions times? when youve seen it once theres no need to see it again! try going to see a difffernt musical! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 03 Sep 04 |
| Yep, what ELSE can you say other than Andrew Derbyshire is the best thing since sliced fairy cake and "H is crap"?? Please give it a rest you poor, deluded teenie! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 01 Sep 04 |
| Saw H at the New London Theatre yesterday evening and what can I say apart from he ruined the show for me! His performance is wooden and he can't sing to save his life...or his career! It was a shame as the week before when unknown Andrew Derbyshire was playing the role of Joseph, I saw a show which was superb and the talent and performance of Andrew Derbyshire in all was absolutely superb! But H's performance I saw last night ruined the show, I usually enjoy this show immensly but H made it very unenjoyable but I must say the rest of the cast were superb and very talented. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.64.18) | 31 Aug 04 |
| hi rosie here! i just got back from holiday and i'm all brown! i am really sorry if i made any body angry at me, please dont be mad. xxxx - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 25 Aug 04 |
| Totally agree with the review below. I was at the show on the 11th and H was brilliant. I saw both the shows that day and went and said hi to H after each. I hope the lady who was moaning about H saying how he probably thought he was "too much of a star to meet his fans" reads this as if she had waited maybe 2 mins more she would have met his when he came out and seen how he appologised for taking so long and stood for ages signing,chatting and having photos taken with the people who had waited, he was a total gentleman! I have met him quite a few times now, I usually go to the London theatre,and he has been lovley every time, as have the rest of the cast. I would like to say though that I thought the London cast were much better performance wise than the Tour cast. nearly every part is better in the west end production. Cant really fault either too much,as they are both highly entertaining! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.96.44) | 15 Aug 04 |
| I'm a regular theatre-goer but hadn't seen Joseph for a while. And I have to say, it was THE most enjoyable thing I've seen in the West End for ages! Ian 'H' Watkins was superb - a great entertainer, a far better singer than I had anticipated and a genuinely lovely bloke who made time to talk to every single person waiting for him at the stage door. The show is great fun - I'd forgotten how catchy some of the songs are. The Narrator has a superb voice, the brothers have some very funny moments, H brings a lot of emotion to his role and the encore is fantastic - I can't remember anyone else in the lead role putting so much energy and enthusiasm into making sure the audience enjoy themselves. I can't praise the guy enough - I'd gladly go to see him in another role in the future, but for now I think he is the perfect Joseph. Shame he's not in it for much longer. For those who haven't seen him yet: catch him while you can! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 12 Aug 04 |
| Vall'e child~ OK I decided 2 b nice 2 u + ask if u had anyfing better 2 do than slag me + Rosie off.Wich is very rare 4 me cos I hav a huge temper! 2 b onist i wrote that message sooooooo nice coz i fought u wud b a fragile old lady, who I wud scear if I said my onest opinion! U just wait till I am famous~ then I can slag u off on telli + not on a crappy computer! wiv all mi luv Vall'e child xXx - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.137.238.50) | 11 Aug 04 |
| i am sorry, i dont like it when people are mad at me. :'-( p.s the ' is ment to be a tear. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 08 Aug 04 |
| hi rosie here i did read ur messages and i wasnt goin 2 reply, but befor i cood log off my sister went on and replyed to you so.. im sorry about that and thanks for sayin happy brithday to me! :-)do you like me now? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 08 Aug 04 |
| I understood every word actually, because I use text speak WHEN IM TEXTING! Its no problem for me to uderstand it, but for others it might be a bit harder,seeing as this is supposed to be a page for reviews on Joseph the show and not a messageboard for you to write rubbish! Go onto a messageboard to do that, and take your crap writing with you GEDDIT! I WAS polite asking you not to type in text jargon and even said happy birthday to you, which you very unpolietly IGNORED but seeing as that didnt work NAFF OFF!!! There understand that? Oh and btw (ooooh look text speak, hubba hubba!) Just for the record, H is brilliant in Joseph and the whole cast and chorus are brilliant,a very entertaining show, I totally enjoyed it and am going again a few times hopefully. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.96.44) | 07 Aug 04 |
| hi txt speaker here! i was jst wondering, did u understnad th@ last msg is that ur not replying??????????? i can re-rite it 4 u if u want? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 07 Aug 04 |
| HI Vall'e child/'text speaker. Have you got anything better to do, than tell me and Rosie off for writing in text?!!~:@}{+_)?>USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 06 Aug 04 |
| Hi txt speaker here! can i jst say that da only reason u r moanin is cos u cant unda stand wot im typing. and also i NO that this is not mi mobile fone (wich is probaly a more up 2 d8 wersion than UR 1!) and i do actualy happen 2 go a very gd secondary skool and i lernt how 2 spell in year 1 thank u. but 2 more fings- i fink u need 2 go and do ur key-stage 1 politness test and c if u dont fail it this time ok? and do 2nd fing is i hope u managed 2 read, this, u no cos im usin txt speak! look thro da otha msgs and c how many other people talk like th@? and tell them off instead of me fanxs. from ur fello TXT SPEAKER! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 06 Aug 04 |
| H was better than i expected as Joseph, the best Joseph i have seeen though is Richard Swerum. I agree with the last review, to the person posting in text speak, don't this is not the place your mobile phone is. Have you not had a proper education where you are told to spell correctly?! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.39.90.212) | 02 Aug 04 |
| Agree with what you say about H being brilliant, the rest of the cast are also superb, but to the young lady posting about mobile phones ect.....Please use proper english and not text rubbish, they dont teach you to spell and talk like that at school do they??!! Oh and happy belated birthday too, hope you had a good day! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.96.44) | 29 Jul 04 |
| i ment can by da way not cab! sorry peps! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 27 Jul 04 |
| Cab i just say 2 da person who sed none of them r not much gd, well may i just remind u th@ H was in a VERY SUCSESSFUL POPGROUP th@ last for FIVE YEARS! so of corse he is goin 2 b brilliant! And unless u've ever been on the stage u wont no how nervous u r wen ur up there infront of loads of people singing, and i no this cos i do dancinn and every year i have 2 go up @ the front @ most of my dances infront of a lot of people and it MAKES U VERY NERVOUS so cood u please stop being so horrible about him, and i'm still waintin 4 some1 2 tell me why a few very silly people dont like H please cos i asked it ages ago and noone ever told me so i wood apreciate an answer now! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 24 Jul 04 |
| Absolutely amazing show. Brilliant cast, all great singers and dancers (especially Ian Watkins, Simon Bailey and Miranda Wilford). Would see it a millions times again if I could. Best theatre show i've been too. Well worth a visit! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.64.223.3) | 22 Jul 04 |
| I cannot believe that they get away with paying the cast such a pittance. they barely earn £300 a week you know... its no surprise none of them are much good and none of them are trying too hard - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.154.173.105) | 22 Jul 04 |
| nobody wants 2 talk 2 me im sad now :( - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 19 Jul 04 |
| little child here! in my last message i put nokis 3200 i MENT nokia 3200 BI! XxX - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 17 Jul 04 |
| little child here and i am no longer a little child i am 12 now! and i got a nokis 3200 and a new necklace and ... neva mind! i have seen da show acctualy!and herd loads about it from my mate lauren d! i dont understand y this evil person has a MASSIVE grudge against H! i dont understand y! please tell me! u no, before u go old and grey and crinkly! :-) - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 16 Jul 04 |
| Itz me valle child, whover said 'HAVE THE LITTLE KIDZ SEEN THE SHOW'must b THE most idiotic person EVA!!!!!! stupid person,I have seen the show wiv H and Andrew over 20 times as I am in the JOseph choir!!! O and I will look down at u little peepl wen i am famous! and laugh cos u will b old and crinkely!!!!!!!!!!! HE HE HA HA HE!!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 16 Jul 04 |
| Yes, and he wasnt as good!! Thats why I will say in my OPINION H is far better than Andrew D. Its all down to personal taste. Just because YOU dont think H is as good it doesnt mean everyone has to follow like the blow up sheep in the show its self! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.96.44) | 14 Jul 04 |
| For the little children who think H is better than Andrew Derbyshire. Have you actually seen a performance of Andrew as Joseph? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.137.82.49) | 13 Jul 04 |
| Happy Birthday "Little Child" :-) H IS the better performer and singer in my opinion, no comparison as someone said below. He also looks better and takes on the part as Joseph with more feeling for the actual role, rather than making out its just a job the way Andrew seems to. H all the way for me! :-) - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.96.44) | 13 Jul 04 |
| hey 'little child' here! any way im happy now becuase ive got loads of people 2 back me up th@ is far better than that andrew... wots his name agen i seem 2 have 4gotten cos hes so unpopular! any im happy - 1. beause loads more poeple like h and r bakin me and loz d up and 2 ITS ME BIRTHDAY IN 2 DAYS IF U DONT COUNT 2DAY AND IN 1 DAY IF U DONT COUNT 2 DAY OR TUESDAY (tuesday is me acctualy birthday) SO IM MEGA HAPPY! (*^_^*) - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 11 Jul 04 |
| I have to say having seen both H and Andrew in the last month that there is no competition. H is far better. He looks better, acts better and you cant even compare his singing. I work at the theatre where andrew is currently playing joseph and have therefore seen the show 9 times this week. The rest of the cast are fantastic but andrew sings through his nose and just doesn't have the power to his voice that h does. Thats just my opinion though, sorry if I offended anyone! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.43.33.174) | 10 Jul 04 |
| If H is so "crap" as you put it, how come hes getting better reviews than Mr Derbyshire, better ticket sales than him and more people saying how good he really is??!! Youre the one TALKING crap it seems. Its all a matter of personal taste and just because YOU dont like him, it doesnt mean everyone else will either. Hes not crap, far,far from it actually. From what I saw he was excellent as Joseph, well and truely worthy of the part. His voice is much better than I thought it was going to be, as well as his acting and overall stage appearance, well worth the £40 odd pounds to see him, Id definately recommend him to others. He wears the outfits well too, MUCH better than Andrew Derbyshire! I give 5 stars to H and the whole of the cast in general (yes and thats you lot from the chorus too! Please tell the lovely H that he is doing a wonderful job and to keep up the brilliant career change, its definately the right direction for him, marvalous!, thank you!) From an older reviewer, not a "little girl" its been a while since ive been that I can assure you. :-> - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.96.44) | 08 Jul 04 |
| RETURN OF THE VALLE CHILD!!! Itz me valle child.Whoever called Rosie 'love' is sooooo constipated only Rosiez nan calz her love! O and I have got over my obsession wiv H u lot r still mean 2 him!!! :( whoever is readin dis message is probably a sad old fart who is posh and obsessed wiv west end shows -so PAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 08 Jul 04 |
| hi 'little child' here, 2 person who called me and my m8 little children, th@s pretty stupid sayin th@ cos u no wot happens if im not little? or my m8 isnt little? see ya really woodnt wanna b ya - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 08 Jul 04 |
| I was in the chorus and I wouldnt say H is crap but he does have a weak voice. Andrew Derbyshire will really show the NLT how it's done when he returns! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.137.81.25) | 08 Jul 04 |
| Oh little child trying to defend H. Face it love, he's crap! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.137.81.25) | 08 Jul 04 |
| im sorry im not ussaly a mean person, but wen wen sum 1 says sum thing bad about h i get a LITTLE bit angry! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 07 Jul 04 |
| 2 evil person who finks th@ 'H' is weak, he got much more corage than u 2 get up and sing or did u jst not get da job is THAT y u dont like H? u no... cos he nicked ur job? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 06 Jul 04 |
| I didn't mean weak physically I meant his voice is weak. As I said (and the person from the chorus agrees) Andrew Derbyshire is the best Joseph with the powerful voice, great stage presence and an all round superb performer, when H is a has-been and can't cope with the role. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.219.138) | 06 Jul 04 |
| Hi guys! this is me da freak again! (u no... rosie? da weired 1) well any 2 da person who told me and lauren 2 get a life ur obviouslt a total freak cos u no,if i didnt have a life i wood b dead wich obviously, im not otha wise i wood not b sittin here typin this 2 day! ok? gdgd and h is not weak otha wise he wood not have muscles ok? please, do reply! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 05 Jul 04 |
| im in the chorus and I agree, Andrew Derbyshire is far superior to H and a lot less moody aswell! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.137.81.95) | 03 Jul 04 |
| Ian Watkins is in no way weak! After having my douts about him in a theatre production I was astounded as to how professional and entertaining he was. The newspapers ect make him out to be a joke, but he is far from that and it is obvious from just this production that his talent lies in musical theatre. After being a sceptic I have been totally converted and would go to see H again in any show he did, serious theatre,musicals or otherwise. I hope your "review" wasnt based on what you thought you knew about H, rather than actually seeing him, as he was excellent, other reviewers on here I see say the same thing. I also notice that chorus members have posted how nice H is, and they should know, they work with him "little girls" or otherwise! After seeing both Andrew and H I can easily say that H was far better, there was nothing wrong with Andrews performance at all, I just thought H was more emotional and far more believable in the production I saw. I look foward to seeing the talented Mr H watkins in even more theatre productions in the future, hopefully he will finally start to get the credit he deserves from the second rate so called "reporters" who have put him down for so long. Good luck to him! Also H and the rest of the cast gel very well together and its a lovley sight to watch,everyone getting along to well, makes the whole show more enjoyable rather than sitting and watching a group of people just reciting their script for 2 hours and then going home! I would most definatly recommend H in Joseph to anyone (and I have!) Im sure a lot of people will be quite surprised. (From a reviewer who ISNT a little girl and hasnt been for quite some time!) - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.96.44) | 03 Jul 04 |
| Get a life little girls. Andrew Derbyshire is far superior to the very weak sounding Ian 'H' Watkins. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.137.80.77) | 03 Jul 04 |
| Hi Rosie and loz. Yes Rosie it WOZ me who sed H wasnt fit. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 01 Jul 04 |
| francesca was the best1 in the josph choir - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.219.130) | 29 Jun 04 |
| Despite all the offeres that are always about for this show i have put off going to see it for the year that it is has currently been on the stage that was until today. Despite the theatre being only 3/4 full if that the cast put all of their energy into what was a very enjoyable show. Fine its abit tacky, very cheesy and camp but thats what it is all about. A show which you go to and don't need to think at all throughout just purely enjoy it. Just fantastic family entertainment. The megamix encore at the ned makes the show and guarantees everyone leaves on a high note, i know me and my sister did!!! The kids will love it as will the adults! H does as grand job as the title role as does all the other cast members. Pharoah steels the show and the bless the choir who put their all into what must be quite tedious sitting straight backed on steps for over 2 hours!! Well done everyone who is involved in this great production. If you haven't seen it go you will leave smiling and will regret it if you don't. Go before it does!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.137.94.7) | 19 Jun 04 |
| I can't believe that in all my theatre going years that I have never seen Joseph before, either on my regular trips to London or when it's been on tour, but I finally made the effort and it was well worth it. The story and music is a joy from start to finish and I found myself loving every minute of it. The encores at the end had everyone up on their feet and really enjoying themselves - old and young alike. I thought that 'H' played the part of Joseph really well - he may not have the best voice in the West End and he seemed to take one line at a time, almost as if he was preparing his voice for the next line everytime, but overall his singing was more than adequate for the role (and seeing 'H' in a loin cloth for half of the evening was very nice on the eye too). There was fine support from all of the cast but especially Vivienne Carlyle as the narrator and Simon Bailey as Pharoah. I don't think I'd ever appreciated this score before - the diversity of pop, country, rock and roll and French style music is a real credit to Andrew Lloyd Webber. I can't see how anyone cannot enjoy this gem - it's one of the best things I've seen in ages and I'm glad that I finally got to see it. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.254.64.14) | 14 Jun 04 |
| Hey rosie here again, i just wanted 2 point out th@ i got my message rite 1st time, im well chuffed now! lol (*^_^*)(",) - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 14 Jun 04 |
| Hi this is rosie here again, (u no, the weired 1? remeber me??) can i just say that the persons who said h is not fit is BONKERS! (was th@ u hannah c?) but fanxs 2 da person who told me i wasnt weired, and y didnt any 1 tell me th@ h was in low cut trousers? i have FORCED would my parents 2 take me! im well depressed i missed it now! :( :( :( :( :( :( - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 14 Jun 04 |
| YES HE IS,HOW RUDE! LOL! H is the fittest Joseph Ive ever seen, and id like to thank him and whoever is responsible for putting him in such low cut trousers at the end, total genius! The guy was made for the part of Joseph, I cant wait to go and see him again and again and maybe next time ill pay attention to more than just him and his chest hair (pah, dout it!) - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.96.44) | 12 Jun 04 |
| hiya loz and rosie! i agree u shouldnt av voted h the 8th worst person. he sounds really nice but he is soooooo not fit!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 10 Jun 04 |
| Nope! But that is from a self confessed NUTTER! Im off to see H again next week, 5th time for meeee! That guy is bloody brilliant,The rest of the cast are amazing and the chorus (Ive seen all the groups now nearly!) are superb! Ive recommended the whole show (but mainly H half neked!) to loads of people and theres a good chance most of them will come and see just what a brilliant performance H and the rest of the cast do, if only to get me to shut the damn hell up,hehe! H is a lovely guy when he is signing for fans outside too,makes the whole trip worth while, nothing worse than seeing a great performance then finding out the lead is a total twat,which has happened before! Keep up the brilliance H, youre a true star! ***************************************** - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.96.44) | 06 Jun 04 |
| dose every1 here think im really weiered? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 06 Jun 04 |
| and in my 1st message i put, 'fro' but i ment from! luv rosie (*^_^*) - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 01 Jun 04 |
| and wen i put 'bu' i ment but! (im blamin it on the dogy keybord dont no about u!) luv rosie! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 01 Jun 04 |
| me again wen i put 'wne', i ment wen! k? bubi - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 01 Jun 04 |
| hey rosie again, wne i put rally i ment really bu, but ive got a dogy keybord and the e didnt work so bubi! (*^_^*) - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 01 Jun 04 |
| u guys must all fink im rally weired u no, cos ive jst put 3 messages on the site in the last 10 minutes! but my computer messed up and and i didnt no th@ my 2nd message had been sent so i sent it again! but at least i remebered 2 change my rating this time! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 01 Jun 04 |
| het this is rosie from the last message, i 4got 2 change my rating, i ment ment 2 put 5 as my score! soz lauren D! i really did mean 2 change it! luv rosie p, from broxbourne skool,form 7e! (*^_^*) - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 01 Jun 04 |
| this is rosie fro, the last message, i put 3 as my ratin but i totaly dont mean i fot got 2 change it! sorry lauren!i ment 2 give it 5 stars! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 01 Jun 04 |
| hey my m8 lauren D is in this show, and she cums 2 skool every day tellin ur how fit H is and i have 2 agree, im afraid any1 who disagrees must need need a brain transplant! there u go loz, from rosie! if any of u voted 4 H on 100 worst Britains, i think u need a brain transplant! there u go lauren D, from rosie! (*^_^*) - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 01 Jun 04 |
| Joseph and his technicolour dreamcoat is the best musical ive ever seen. The choreography is fabulous, the narrator is brillaint and H is great. All the brothers are breath taking and the pharoh is very good. Basically, the whole cast is brilliant! Also, the dancing in "canaan days" was fabulas. from sarah terris - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 23 May 04 |
| Hi Its Valle kid again,thnx 2 all my mates from Valle who backed me up. I bet the guy who replied 2 me in the 1st place is now hidin' in a hole somwhere! LOL! Can't wait 4 Joseph 2 day.O and by the way, if u r cumin 2 see the 2 o clock show, b4 u ask no I don't cry when H is locked up but I do LOOK like Im gonna cry! seeee u luv Valle kid xxx. p.s if u dis H I will eat u and sell u on e-bay! :) - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.15) | 22 May 04 |
| its me bithday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! luv fran xxx - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.219.139) | 19 May 04 |
| Hi Lauren D! Guess who??? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.6) | 18 May 04 |
| hiya its fran again im from the valle academy choir! just wana say i luv doin joseph tho sumtimes its a bit tyiring! also simon schofield is so fit lol! c ya all on sat! o yer im 14 on wednesday yayaayayyayay - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.219.139) | 17 May 04 |
| hiya ppl im fran n im in the jjoseph choir lol - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.219.139) | 17 May 04 |
| Hey valle kid, u no who i am, i think PHAROHISBUFF. I wanna back vallekid up here, H is great and quite funny. Joseph is the best musical eva!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.6) | 16 May 04 |
| okay, I admit I am a 12 year old H maniac, but whoever voted him on that list must hate him alot and I'm just trying to work out why people hate him soooo much? If someone anwsers me I will try and get a life,K?!!!???! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.6) | 16 May 04 |
| Oh go away Valle child! I doubt we were the ones that voted, I didn't anyhow. H is a lovely person but big deal. Valle child, you know life....get one! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.137.81.16) | 16 May 04 |
| hiya evil people!! i'm REALLY dissapointed wiv u lot!!!!I'm in the valle acadamy of performing arts chior in Joseph.I'm REALLY pleased and proud to perform with H and the rest of the cast.H is a really funny and sweet person . So i nearly cried when I found out that you lot nastily voted H number 8 on 100 worst Britains!!!!!!!!!!! you lot are pure evil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.6) | 15 May 04 |
| Seen it recently more than once, had the same chorus every time, what are the odds of that?!! They were brilliant though I have to say, hopefully Ill get a different set of children next time, they really do make the show more enjoyable. H was brilliant, good on him for taking on the role and making it his own,I was very impressed. The two Simons were excellent too. Never thought the Elvis part would work but it was really entertaining. Any Dream Will Do was sung brilliantly but the emotion shown by H singing Close Every Door was just breathtaking, I wanted to go give the boy a hug! AD was good I thought,until I saw H, Ill most definatly be going again,and hopefully very soon. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.96.44) | 30 Apr 04 |
| BRING ANDREW DERBYSHIRE BACK - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.137.83.8) | 28 Apr 04 |
| what on earth has happened to ANY DREAM WILL DO.Both H and Andrew D sing it as if they are pub singers, its very much like Micheal Crawford's version, dont like it one bit. Go back to singing it as Richard Swerrun, Graham Tudor and Darren Day did. Ive seen it 32 times now both on tour and west end, so i know what I like. Bring back Richard or Graham immediately. Does anyone know what the boys from the previous cast are doibg, i.e Lee, Brian and Trevor ? I'm off now to sing along Joseph in Brum wearing my coat of many colours - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.189.47.140) | 27 Apr 04 |
| what do you think of the joseph choirs? which one do you think is the best? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.3.0.44) | 26 Apr 04 |
| I saw the show for £10, an email WOS offer. The theatre was nearly empty and I didn't really know what to expect apart from the music. I was entertained for the evening and I think this show would appeal to children. I came away from the show with smile on my face and kept bursting into song for a few days. I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much if I had paid £40! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.159.26.68) | 08 Apr 04 |
| Saw the show the other night and, it was brilliant! Pure entertainment. Unfortuntely H wasn't as good as the gorgeous Andrew Derbyshire though, H just doesnt seem to have the power in his voice like Andrew, Andrew Derbyshire had a superb voice and every show was a breath-taking experience, I hope he comes back to the west end soon, even if its just for a couple of weeks! But, the rest of the cast were excellent! Simon Bailey was a very sexy and great Pharaoh and the brothers were wonderful, with Simon Schofield playing the part of Benjamin to perfection, and Spike Grimsey singing the Canaan Days with class and pure talent! Anthony as Jacob wasn't as fartherly and sweet as James Head but does the job well, with a very deep voice. Vivienne Carlyle has an utterly brilliant voice and she shows no ego, such a lovely lady. Will definitely be visiting the New London again very soon. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.64.6) | 08 Apr 04 |
| Not too sure what show you saw, but it couldnt have been the one I saw. H was excellent,far better than I had imagined actually. The children were brilliant and the brothers were not only entertaining but worked well together and the cast as a whole were fabulous! 5/5 ill be going again! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.96.44) | 25 Mar 04 |
| Saw the show last night. Far Far INferior to the Palladium production. Coreography was a joke and you would think that H would be able to sing coming from a pop froup. Oh boy another classic show gets butchered! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (152.163.252.227) | 24 Mar 04 |
| hi my name is Kate and i am in the Jackie Palmer choir who were doing joseph. I have been doing joseph with Jackie Palmers on tour for 8 years and i really enjoy it. Good Luck to the Carmel Thomas choir. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.0.196.28) | 18 Mar 04 |
| Went to see H tonight and was amazed at how professional and entertaining,not to mention talented the guy is. He gets far too much flack,and after seeing just how good he was tonight,its all totally unjustyfied.He really should be praised for his performance. If any of the present cast (who i must add were brilliant too,especially the narator and the children in the chorus ) read this, could they please tell him he was amazing, and i thank him for making my night so enjoyable,and for for wearing those loin cloths! GORGEOUS! Ill be going back again very soon and then again with my children in the very near future! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.96.42) | 02 Mar 04 |
| hi my name is jessica capp and im in the show at the moment singing in the joseph choir with the Carmel Thomas youth singers! its brill!!!! xxx - USER: Whatsonstage.com (193.60.223.248) | 02 Mar 04 |
| BRING ANDREW DERBYSHIRE BACK! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.137.80.61) | 01 Mar 04 |
| Thanks Deanne...I think! Sorry to see Andrew, Trev and James leave on Saturday, it was a brilliant show but very emotional, the whole cast and choir sounded superb! Good luck to all three for the furture-love you guys!!!Glad to hear Vivienne is staying with us for a bit longer though! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.137.80.61) | 01 Mar 04 |
| Let's put your name on the website then Pally: LYNDA-LOUISE TOMLINSON West End star of the future. You heard it here first (and I've got her autograph already!) Deanne (aka Queenie) Lynda-Louise will make it in the business, no question about it. The reason being that she is totally fearless and I hope she never loses that quality because it's what separates great performers from the rest. I once asked her how she did it and she said something like "why should I be afraid of talent - I'm famous myself". What a brilliant attitude for someone so young. Remember her name - though she may change her surname to which ever West End star she's got a crush on at the time(only kidding pally)! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (164.36.142.217) | 24 Feb 04 |
| I dont know who the borthers are, but the others were a lot better, they really emphasised words that should be, and they are better dancers, the new brothers are learning and they are really good! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.42.187.171) | 21 Feb 04 |
| It's my last day perofrming Joseph today! i'm in the children's choir and it's really sad to leave. The cast are great, especially Viviene, The narrater, she's great, So is Darren, but i would like to see Lee perform Joseph for the last time, he is most certainly the best ever! As someone else said, i wish our names could be up on the website too! It's a great show! i love the music and the performance. give credit to the Choir please?!?!. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.42.187.171) | 21 Feb 04 |
| Im in the choir and im upset that our names arn't up there, although there are loads of us, the show is great but today is my last day performing it! Its a good show with funny things such as sheep and cactusses appearing from the stage floor, but it is difficult to keep a straight face when there are sad bits becuase the cast are so funny. I'd love to see the show sititng in the audience, im sure i'd get a better view, but it sounds and looks fanatastic! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.42.187.171) | 21 Feb 04 |
| Who are the new brothers? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.64.6) | 16 Feb 04 |
| Who are the new brothers? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.64.6) | 16 Feb 04 |
| its a very good show and the actors are brill!!! im in the show and im in the childrens chior which is fun!i think that the dancers are very good with ther flexibilty. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.3.0.42) | 16 Feb 04 |
| Brilliant show! Lots of fun! Andrew Derbyshire is superb and we'll be sad to see him go at the end of Feb! Trevor is also brilliant and Vivienne has an amazing voice! Go, go, go, see Jo! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.64.6) | 11 Feb 04 |
| I don't know why, but I just thought it was pants! And the worst thing about it in my opinion was Andrew Derbyshire. He was just awful. It was as if he was trying to make it a pantomime. His acting was poor, and his dancing left a lot to the imagination! He stumbled around the stage whilst being pulled by that rope, as if he was a comedian taking the mick out of a drunk. I just didn't believe his performance, and I've learnt that is one of the most important in acting. The only thing I enjoyed about his perfomance was Close Every Door. Although there was something about his pronounciation... It's the first time I've seen this show, and it was very different to what I expected. I was expecting something quite serious having heard all the songs many times before. Maybe that's why I didn't enjoy the pantomime...! I may take my little sheep back to the Strand next week. At least there I know I can see something that's worthy of my student pennies! Sorry to post such a negative review, but I've not seen a show before that I've not enjoyed, even if the show was poor, I've liked someone's individual performance. But here, I was just bored - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.130.108.219) | 04 Feb 04 |
| I saw Lee Waterworth in the lead on Wednesday matinee - it wasn't announced until the show started, so I was rather annoyed at first. However, when I heard his voice and saw him in his loincloth, I took it all back! I'm more than glad I saw him, he has a beautiful mellow voice, great looks and moves and acts well. Very cheeky, just like Joseph should be! The kids in the audience had a ball, and I did too! Of course the show is cheap and camp, but I think that's fine so long as you don't pay a fortune for it. Plenty of offers on, I paid £17.50...not worth £40, but a great, fun, family show nevertheless! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.219.59.200) | 09 Jan 04 |
| Production is lighthearted and enthusiastic - captures the feel of the show perfectly. Wonderful fun! Cast are brilliant, surely great things to come from many of them, especially Vivienne Carlyle (Narrator) and Trevor Jary (Pharaoh), both West End newcomers. A definite 5 star show just for the sheer fun of it! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.219.59.200) | 09 Jan 04 |
| i think that joseph and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat is wonderful, stephen gately, darren day and lee waterworth all play there part as joseph really well, and trevor jary is really funny and can amuse and make the audience enjoy the show even more. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.3.0.42) | 01 Dec 03 |
| All of the cast stop althou a few of them take ages to come out esp trev. the cast are fantastic. Got to know them really well since it started previewing in feb. there so nice nicer then daz anyway. Hes not coming bak thou after panto which will be a shame(not) they shd let lee do it when andrews stint as finished. Darren wasnt nice at all hardly ever said a word to us. Althou we were there for the cast mostly but it doesnt hurt to say hello. Stephen gately was fantastic in the role and allways spent lots of time with us fans. Which can be more then said for darren. Kelly - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.173.76.140) | 30 Nov 03 |
| WOW Darren Day. The Best Joseph I have seen during the last 4 years. It was my 21st time, and Darren was truly amazing so profession, unfaltering an absolute joy to watch, and what a lovely person he is to his fans waiting at the stage door.Lee Waterworth is the best understudy to the role and a marvellous Joseph himself. SHAME on those in the cast who didnt bother to come to the stage door to see the fans, we waited over an hour but then had to leave due to other comittments. Still the best musical ever written for all ages. Love it. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.189.41.127) | 13 Nov 03 |
| I must say I am biast as i was a huge boyzone fan. stephen was fantastic in it and I dont care what anyone says seen it 61 times with him in it. Just a shame now that hes gone and theyve got Darren Day. Ticket sales will plummet. Kelly - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.207.136.162) | 12 Oct 03 |
| i am part of the joseph quior at west end i have done this show for 7 years now, all over the country and i am onli 15 years old.just think hoew many times i have seen this show and believe me im not bored of it. it is one of the best shows ive ever seenand the songs are great. come and see us, darren day is joining us in october 2003 untill febuary 2004 which is when it will probally end so u best hurry up!!!!!!!! kassie canning xxx - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.171.198.38) | 03 Oct 03 |
| Hugely disappointed 2 days before the show (a birthday treat) to discover my teen idol Stephen Gately was on holiday (the website had mentioned nothing), especially as I was sitting so close to the stage, I was overjoyed to find his stand-in Lee Waterworth nothing short of brilliant. I performed in a school production at the age of seven but this was, oh, so much better. The children's chorus was a little hard to hear, and the amplification was at times so loud that I had to cover my ears, but those are my only bad memories of the evening. It loses little from lack of dialogue, is marvellously catchy, lively, vibrant, makes the most of the small theatre, is engaging, hilarious and reminded me just how stonking (sorry) the Bible stories can be. Fast-paced (sometimes even so much that it was hard to keep up!) and massively entertaining, a thoroughly modern adaptation that had me dancing all the way home (many miles by train!). Superb in casting, costumes and choreography (especially so in fact), lighting, performance and everything that means, although I missed my pop idol, I didn't miss out on anything else. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.129.52.218) | 13 Aug 03 |
| Joseph is like Chicago, it isn't about the sets or the costumes. It is pure entertainment from start to end, and it features wonderful songs. The Narrator was quite good and Stephen Gatley was very good in the title role. His boyish grin was wonderful, you just wanted to kiss him, and he sang with ease. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (194.105.168.6) | 08 Jul 03 |
| I was very sceptical about Stephen Gaitley being Joseph! Entering the theatre thinking I would not enjoy my evening! Well, i shouldn't have made my judgement! The first line he sung I was blown back by his vocal ability and talent of acting I saw on the stage! However the show may be a dull due to its continuous run it has throughout the country, but this was a superb night and worth seeing, just to prove the other Boyzobne geeks, that he is the one with the true talent! Well done Stephen! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.48.9.96) | 08 Jul 03 |
| I returned from London a couple weeks ago and saw several shows while I was there. Joseph was one of them. It was absolutely one of the best productions of Joseph that I've seen (and over the years I've seen quite a few - lol!) Stephen Gately's interpretation of the role is somewhat different than what I'm used to seeing but it worked and worked really well! He transformed himself from the favored "runt of the litter" to the powerful right hand of Phaorah with great finesse! With his talent this surely won't be his last West End Production. Viviane Carlyle was very good as the narator. She had a very beautiful voice and comported herself with grace and authority as she revealed the story. Trevor Jary as Pharoah is not to be missed! His Elvis impersonation is unbelievable. The whole cast worked together as a well reheased ensemble which created the world of Joseph for 90 or so to short minutes. I would highly recommend it! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (63.201.91.19) | 23 Jun 03 |
| I saw the show for the first time on Saturday and loved it! Contrary to many of the views on here I thought Vivienne Carlyle was very poor as the narrator (maybe she was ill?) but that Stephen Gately really shone in the role of Joseph. The Pharoah was also excellent as were the sheep! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.155.34.207) | 03 Jun 03 |
| A pleasant show with a lackluster production. Neither the narrator nor the lead can manage to project past the footlights. A waste of time. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (209.6.198.12) | 27 May 03 |
| One of the few musicals that I hadn't seen, so I took a chance to see it last Friday, to a house little more than a third full. Gateley's got a good singing voice, but unfortunately it lacks power, and I was very disappointed with the whole evening. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (194.203.103.4) | 21 May 03 |
| I really enjoyed this show. It was a great deal of fun, with a set almost as witty as the lyrics. I think the cast really gave their all, and were having such a fun time, it couldn't help but be infectious. Stephen Gately was fine (and with a couple of really cheeky looks that made me laugh), but I think the Time Out review had it right about the endless reprises at the end: "Just give him his ruddy overcoat." I think I left the theatre with a huge grin on my face. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.40.62.229) | 19 May 03 |
| Stephen Gately is the campest most irritating joseph ever. So camp and appaling- like this tacky touring show. No talent on stage...all it does is remind me how good the palladium show was. Nasty. Cheap. Tacky...avoid. But if you must go- shout at Gately "stop holding your stomach in"- you'll know what i mean - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.50.14) | 16 May 03 |
| One of the worst shows in West End. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.35.30.202) | 09 May 03 |
| It's not my fave show by far but is still very enjoyable. Have seen it 6 or 7 times now, mainly on tour, and I think this production is probably one of the best I've seen. Stephen Gately was a huge shock - Boyzone certainly didn't do the guy any justice. He has a really superb voice. His pronunciation of some words sounded funny but that's probably just his accent but his actual singing was excellent. Vivienne Carlyle as Narrator is stunning - her voice is beautiful and she's really pretty. Trevor Jary as Pharoah is wasted in that role to be honest. He too is excellent but we don't hear enough of him - even if he does sing his song four times!! The brothers are good together too. The only really bad thing is the amount of young children there, you know seat kicking, talking etc but a bit of patience and it's a really enjoyable show. Ok so it doesn't compare to the likes of WWRY or Mamma Mia but it's not at all bad and a good family night out. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.168.163) | 28 Apr 03 |
| This was okay. Though in comparison to other West End shows it is at the lower end of the scale - in terms of effort/ casting/ production/props etc. It is lacking in every area. Gately does well, though appears to be straining his voice at times. VERY EMPTY. Crap props. Expensive icecream. Uncomfortable seating. Also at the end they 'overdid' the singing a bit (by repeating all songs sang throughout AND 'Close every door'.Elvis was also able to shine with his song (Pharoah's dream) which he sung 4 times in total. I went to see The Lion King @ The Lyceum and in comparison this was utter crap. My daughter however, (aged 6) did enjoy it. The narrator was excellent. Very strong voice. (Not enough ethnics in the casting either - and this was based on the Bible story? ......Mmmmmmm.) Anyhow, Go see it and judge for yourself. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.43.74.79) | 19 Apr 03 |
| Excellent! A lot of fun and a great day out with the family. Steven gately does a great job considering he's pop trained, and the cast of brothers and handmaidens are a delight to watch. The Pharaoh does an excellent Elvis impersonation and the choir harmonies are wonderful! Go see it! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.50.13) | 18 Apr 03 |
| better live then filmed video. production thro outshines in its own mutlicoloured way - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.8.175.33) | 14 Apr 03 |
| absolutly great!!!! he looked hansome, he looked smart (stephen gately) the cast was great too. stephens voice is truely amazing close every door was soo moving and stephen looked genuinely upset. its a "visual feast" id advise every1 to go. if i could id give this show 1000000 for its score just because stephen is soo sexy and he wears a loin cloth. ; ) - USER: Whatsonstage.com (172.188.21.245) | 10 Apr 03 |
| The worst thing to hit the West End in years. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (24.57.69.59) | 07 Apr 03 |
| Absolutely Rotten. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (24.57.69.59) | 06 Apr 03 |
| Excellent show! Stephen Gately was just superb there. He definitely has a fantastic voice and so the rest of the cast. Vivienne have to improve a bit though since I didn't understand what she was singing!! But Stephen Gately just rules the whole show! Never though a boy band member can have such great acting talent and voice! You just can't control the tears once you see his tears trail down and his doe-eyes sparkling with them! Must see show. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (24.57.69.59) | 06 Apr 03 |
| seen Joseph 20 times over the last 2 years. The cast never fail to dissapoint me, they are all talented. When Steohen leaves it would be a crime not to offer the lead to Lee Waterworth. Alternatively bring back Graham Tudor he was my favourite Joseph.Love Trevors new hairstyle. I feel sorry for the cast having to do 3 shows on a saturday, thats too much for them. How about another matinee perhaps on a Thursday. I am going again soon but have to save my pennies as the train fare alone from Birmingham is £30. If you are fed up go and see Joseph and you will be happy for days afterwards it is truly uplifting. The best musical in the world. Love you all. Lynda Robinson xxxx - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.189.42.129) | 04 Apr 03 |
| seen Joseph 20 times over the last 2 years. The cast never fail to dissapoint me, they are all talented. When Steohen leaves it would be a crime not to offer the lead to Lee Waterworth. Alternatively bring back Graham Tudor he was my favourite Joseph.Love Trevors new hairstyle. I feel sorry for the cast having to do 3 shows on a saturday, thats too much for them. How about another matinee perhaps on a Thursday. I am going again soon but have to save my pennies as the train fare alone from Birmingham is £30. If you are fede up go and see Joseph and you will be happy for days afterwards it is truly uplifting. The best musical in the world. Love you all. Lynda Robinson xxxx - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.189.42.129) | 04 Apr 03 |
| This show is absolutely superb - I wish I could give it a lot more than 5 out of 5. I have now seen it 47 times and will readily go back for more!! The new set designed especially for the West End is amazing with moving stairs and inflatable sheep and cacti. Stephen Gately leads the marvellous cast of 18 - supported by a harmonious children's choir - through a variety of songs beautifully composed by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. These include many different styles - country, gospel, rock'n'roll, calypso and even French chanson for "Those Canaan Days", with Joseph's brothers appropriately dressed in stripes and berets. Trevor Jary's hip-swinging portrayal of the Elvis-style Pharaoh always leaves me screaming for more, while Vivienne Carlyle's strong narration keeps the story flowing smoothly. After being offered the part of Joseph by the composer himself, Stephen proves he is more than capable, leading up to the climax of "Any Dream Will Do" when he is spectacularly raised up from the stage on a lift, for a dramatic finale to a sensational show. This is whole-heartedly an enchanting interpretation of the Biblical story that shows that "anyone from anywhere can make it if they get a lucky break". Added extras such as a singing camel and sphynx and an astounding fire-eater make this a show DEFINITELY not to be missed!!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.69.231.226) | 25 Mar 03 |
| I only wish along with many others tht I cld give it more stars than just 5 as it deserves many more!! The cast were brilliant, talented, with fantastic voices, the show had me mesmerised from begining to end, "Pharoah" and Vivienne the narator had you wanting more, and Stephen Gately was superb, his voice was very strong,adding emotion and humour into the part of Joseph, a must see for all theater goers!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.48.166.98) | 15 Mar 03 |
| I attended this performance with fairly low expectations - and was absolutely blown away. whilst the production is by no means similar to the lavish Palladium revival, it is it's simplicity that makes it all the more appealing. Stephen Gately is the lead role of Joseph gives an astounding vocal performance, which certainly surprised me, as well as fellow audience members. He suits the role perfectly, bringing an air of innocence and vunerability to the role, and delivers a beautiful and incredibly strong performance of Close Every Door. Trevor Jary and Vivieen Caryle are also exceptional in their roles of Pharoh and the Narrator respectively. Overall I enjoyed the show immensely, and the whole cast should feel proud for delivering such a hugely entertaining evening. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.168.170) | 15 Mar 03 |
| Dreadful, this is pure amateur theatre of the worst kind. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.15.242) | 15 Mar 03 |
| Wow! Amazing show. I'm glad that if I had to pick only one show to go to in the West End, it was this one! A definite must see! Great for the whole family and you'll really enjoy everything about this show. I thought the acting was great and the voices of the leads well worth the ticket price. Run, don't walk to get yourself a ticket! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (151.199.58.19) | 14 Mar 03 |
| What an awful show. Even the parts which are suppose to be funny look really dull. And Stephen Gately should get a voice. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.180.90) | 14 Mar 03 |
| What a great show. Bright, colourful, exuberant and funny. Stephen Gately is excellent in the role of Joseph, and as for Vivienne Carlyle (Narrator) – what a superb voice. It should also be noted that the show would not have been quite the same without Trevor Jary in the role of the Pharaoh. The rest of the cast must not be forgotten, as they were all first rate in their individual roles. Being part of the Whatsonstage group, and meeting the cast post-production was a real bonus. All were happy to talk to the group members and were most convivial towards them. Top marks to all. Mike Thomas (New London 11/03/03). - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.205.174.216) | 13 Mar 03 |
| Words can not explain how terribly bad this show is. Nothing apart from Vivien Carlyle can be saved from this truly awful production. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.29.70) | 13 Mar 03 |
| We went to see this new production of Joseph last night with the whatsonstage group outing, and had a great time. Stephen Gately was in superb shape and was positively bouncing around all over the stage. The rest of the cast all provided strong support. The campness was very enjoyable, and the sheep and camels were hilarious. Good show, we all felt involved. The party afterwards was pretty cool, too! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.0.5) | 12 Mar 03 |
| I went with the What's On Stage group last ngiht and had an absolute BLAST! it was one of the best nights I've had out in months. at the end of the show, we were all 200 of us up on our feet dancing and singing and clapping. then afterwards we stayed on in the bar for an hour or two with members of the cast. a really superbly well organised night to a great feelgood show. and top marks to Trevor Jarry (who played the Elvis Pharaoh) and Vivian Carlyle (the narrator). I thought gately was underpowered to be truthful but those two are going to be HUGE stars! they deserve it. :) thanks WOS! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.193.222.20) | 12 Mar 03 |
| loved this show.Stephen Gately is fanastic as Joseph combining a great singing voice with suberp acting which both takes you breath away and leaves you totally surprised.I have the Jason Donavan soundtrack and i prefer Stephen's version by miles.I was still singing as i came out and as for the set well it wouldn't be Joseph if it didn't have a touch of campness about it.Joseph has always been a fun show seriousness was never it middle name were else would you get inflatable sheep and cacti and get away with it.All credit goes to Bill Kenwright and a super cast for Trevor Jary and Vivienne Carlyle boyh deserve a special mention for their roles.The songs are sang well and Stephen's version of Close Every Door will leave you with a lump in your throat a tear in your eye and fair blow your socks off.The kids will love this show and not just be cause of whose in it and the amazing thing about Joseph apart from his dreamcoat is it allows the grown ups to be kids for awhile as well so they end up liking the show as well if not loving it.See it after all Any dream will do why not this one. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.67.67) | 12 Mar 03 |
| Awful! I've seen school productions of this show with better quality. So bad that it's painful to watch. And £40 for a top price seat seems just like bad joke. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.135.76.149) | 12 Mar 03 |
| Fantastic! and Stephen Gately and Vivenne Carlyle have amazing voices. All the family fully enjoyed the show and would love to see it again. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.60.121.42) | 11 Mar 03 |
| Definitely the worst thing to hit the West End in years. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.178.203) | 11 Mar 03 |
| Having just watched the show at the New London Theatre, a friend lent me the video of the film of Joseph starring Donny Osmond etc. With the exception of the lyrics being clearer when Donny sings them in comparison to Stephen Gately, the whole of the Bill Kenwright production is vastly superior to the film. Vivienne Carlyle knocks spots off the narrator in the film, and as for Trevor Jary in the role of Pharaoh, well there is no comparison. Overall this is a thoroughly enjoyable show and has terrific vitality for a 35 year old. The kids really love it. I wish it a long and successful run. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.123.213.167) | 11 Mar 03 |
| Shocking - no wonder seats are reduced to 15.00 - one of the worst things seen on the stage - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.35.59.89) | 11 Mar 03 |
| What an awful production of a great show. And the theatre was so empty. I won't be surprised if it closes shortly after Easter. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.142.167) | 11 Mar 03 |
| What an absolutely marvellous show. I took my friends along to it and they really enjoyed it, so much so that they want to go again. I have already booked tickets to see this show again. I have never enjoyed myself so much in all my life. The theatre is quite small anyway, but sitting at the front I felt as though I were IN the show. It was spectacular, truly great. The cast are all well-suited to the roles. The narrator has an absolutely fantastic voice and she is a right pretty little thing too. Gately gave a phenomenal performance, he truly gave it his all and is a joy to watch. He has an amazing voice. The brothers bouncing about the stage were brilliant, and they all had absolutely wonderful voices which they used very well. They were full of energy, and they brought the show into the audience as well at the end by coming and dancing in the aisles. I wished the finale would have gone on forever, I really do. An astounding show, a must-see for all ages, well worth the £40 and well-worth taking all your kids to see it, and all your friends too! If I could give it 100 stars I would. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.5) | 10 Mar 03 |
| Brilliant show. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Stephen Gately makes a fantastic Joseph and I think his voice and acting are superb. Trevor Jary is brilliant as the Pharoah/Elvis. In fact the whole cast are really good and look like they are thoroughly enjoying themselves and, from the shows I've been to, so do the audience. I've been to various shows and there has been a standing ovation every time except for one 2.00pm matinee, which was mainly young children. I would recommend anyone to see it and personally think a lot of people are just being snobbish concerning the show being on in the West End. Yes, the tickets are expensive but isn't everything in London overpriced!!!! If you want to see a good, fun, family musical which makes you feel happy then go see Joseph, you will not be disappointed. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.168.168) | 10 Mar 03 |
| Bill Kenwright should be ashamed for bringing this amateurish production to the New London. If he thinks it will last long he's wrong. People are not stupid and will think it twice before spending £40 which is far below the usual West End standards. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.4.205) | 10 Mar 03 |
| This is just so bad that it's painful to watch. Bad sets, bad choreography, bad acting and average singing. How this awful production came to play a West End house is everyone guess. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.207.82) | 09 Mar 03 |
| I have to say i was there the first week of previews and was a bit undesided on wether i would like it but all my worries were taken away when the intro started playing. I first saw the early 90's version when i was younger and seen a few different productions as well. As being in it myself when younger so i knew or thought i knew how this was going to be staged. The first thing you notice is when you sit down is there is leg room in the seats! The stage curtain itself de-picks the story of Joseph itself which will keep the younger in the audience entranced while waiting on the show to start. The Narrator was note prefect and interacted well with the audience and the childrens choir with ease. Stephen Gately i found was well cast as Joseph and seemed to encapsulate the young Joseph on the verge of manhood. People have said about Stephens voice, its still as high as it was in the former days of Boyzone, but a lot more well controlled. When it comes to Close Every Door, close your eyes and just listen to this wonderfully controlled voice that will tug at the heart strings. The set i found was re-freshingly modest you didn't need the spectacular and rather noisey effects for other shows to get their point across. This show did what most musicals forget to do, it told the story through the lyrics. The supporting cast really shone and had more enthuisasm that i had seen in quite a while. They really looked like they were enjoying every note, step and joke. And it came across from the audience reacton at the end. For me it was a Must see Show, so if you are a child or a child at heart. Go, Go,Go to Joseph and see the boy who dreamed, become a star! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.254.40.81) | 09 Mar 03 |
| I have been to see the show a couple of times now, once in the previews and now at an early matinee at the end of the first week. The first time I was sat at the front and thoroughly enjoyed the show. Yes it is camp and tongue in cheek, and I certainly was not looking forward to seeing it, but nevertheless I found it hugely entertaining and every one around me appeared to be having great fun and was joining in at the end. Criticisms are being made of the set being cheap, but after all the stage is not anything like as large as the Palladium, which was its last venue in the West End and is not currently available, so, given the space available, the scenery is excellent and the “inflatable” sheep and the cacti add to the fun of the whole show. Of the cast, I think they are excellent, particularly Trevor Jary and Vivienne Carlyle, and I think the show has a terrific vitality. Yesterday I was sat at the back of the circle and was therefore able to gauge audience reaction and have a different view of the set. Well there were possibly a couple of handfuls of one star reviewers in the audience, but the balance were certainly thoroughly enjoying the show, particularly the children who after all are the future for future productions in the West End. In many respects, I think I enjoyed the set more from the back as I was able to appreciate it all at the same time, and I thoroughly enjoyed the children’s choir's singing and the hand jiving which was has been introduced since the previews; they were great. All in all a great show for children and adults alike. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.0.184.92) | 09 Mar 03 |
| This is only a cheap panto disguised as a West End show. The cast are not very good at all and the only one who shines is the girl who plays the narrator. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.167.118) | 08 Mar 03 |
| Awful. Now I understand why Andrew Lloyd Webber himself refused to go to the opening night. He watched about 10 minutes of one of the previews and had enough. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.105.160) | 08 Mar 03 |
| I'm in agreement with all the other 1 or 2 star reviewers here - this is a show that should be on a little fringe theatre somewhere in the 'burbs, not a prime London theatre. It feels cheap and amateur, with sets that make even the risible and thankfully long-gone "Notre Dame du Paris" look stylish. There was an element of tackiness running through the whole show, but also a strange knowing kind of smuttiness in some of the numbers, exemplified usually in the form of scantily dressed high-kicking types who appeared to be drafted in for various spots for no other reason than to add a bit of titillation to proceedings. I couldn't see the point of introducing obvious nonsense elements such as cheerleaders for the Elvis number, a backdrop of Paris for "Those Canaan Days", and so forth ... juvenile flagging up that just let you, well, flagging. As for the reprise at the end, you really do end up with almost the whole show right through again - enough, already! This is a slight tale told in an even slighter manner, and on no account should you part with top shekels for this off-season pantomime. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.217.253.5) | 07 Mar 03 |
| Bill Kenwright has updated his production of Joseph( which has been touring for 12 years from 1979) for a limited westend run, and it is an energetic, vibrant, 'fun' show packed with marvellous music and excellent performances by all members of the cast. This musical's simplicity and accessibility have always been natural appeal for families and If you have children you want to introduce to musical theatre, this is the show to take them to. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (61.117.59.196) | 07 Mar 03 |
| Absolutely dreadful. How this school panto is sold as a West End musical is something I don't understand. And Mr Gately needs to learn how to sing and project his voice. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.135.71.104) | 07 Mar 03 |
| I have throughly enjoyed the show of Joseph. I think that everyone is well suited to their parts. The childrens choir are very talented to have to sit there for the 2 hours and keeping us entertained. The choroegrapher Henry has done a good job with the cast. The conducter david is wonderful to have been able to make this show a total success. It is well worth a visit. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.0.184.92) | 06 Mar 03 |
| If you ever thought you would hear yourself say "I really miss Philip Schofield", this show is your chance. Dorothy Parker, forgive me, but Gateley really does 'shake his voice at the audience like a tiny fist' and there's only so much fisting an audience can take from this feeble practitioner. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (141.228.156.225) | 06 Mar 03 |
| This is just worst than an amateur production and I think all the 5 stars reviews come from the same person, some crazy Stephen Gately groupie. Apart from the score nothing is worth it in this production and Gately sings flat most of the time. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.135.10.247) | 06 Mar 03 |
| So many 5-star ratings, but then I notice many refer to the production while on its pre-London tour (where perhaps expectations are not...er...high). Is it "exactly" the same production? It looks like it cost sixpence, with the costumes made from the Bombay Dreams ragbag. Maybe this is meant to be post-modern camp but obviously the designer was trained at the Blue Peter School of Artlessness. I wouldn't want to meet the chorus on a dark night (whatever happened to attractive dancers?) but Mr Gately pleased the eye, especially in loin-cloth. Ok, I "enjoyed" the show once I got over the shock of realising I was at a pier-end show magically transported to the West End, but that doesn't mean it was "good". Must try harder next time. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.30.138.5) | 06 Mar 03 |
| Fantastic, and the narrators and Stephen Gately's voices are great. as its at the new London Theatre which is on the small side, no matter where your sitting you will be able to see. it really is a show to see and its a fun night out for all ages. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.60.53.222) | 05 Mar 03 |
| Sensational! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.188.62.53) | 05 Mar 03 |
| I too saw the Palladium production many times in the early 90's (and agree with the other reviewer who said that Phillip Schofield outshone Jason Donovan - many times over!), and was slightly disappointed with the new production. I wasn't expecting a complete rehash of the Palladium show, after all that would take some doing, it was just that this show did feel a bit amatuerish. The stage is small and did at times appear very cluttered, with the cast being unable to dance properly. I was also a bit bemused by the casting - using cast members to play more than one role is all very well, but when the song clearly names 11 brothers, surely 11 of them should be on stage?? Very distracting, especially during "Those Canaan Days" after the Pharoah scenes, when quite clearly three brothers are missing due to playing the parts of Pharoah, the Butler and the Baker!!! Taking nothing away from the performances however, as I felt that all the cast were clearly giving everything - the Narrator was brilliant, and Stephen Gately surprised us all with his stage abilities. As a further point, the theatre itself is awful - a real modern monstrosity, where the cast and scenery is always battling against a dark dingy interior, and a concrete mass outside. All in all though, a fun night out, but if you saw the Palladium production, leave all preconceptions at the door!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.194.143.236) | 05 Mar 03 |
| DIABOLICAL.......YOU SAY THIS ISNT OVERBLOWN AND CAMP?WHAT A LOAD OF RUBBISH. TALENTLESS CAST...EGO MANIAC GATELY...AVOID. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (193.122.47.162) | 05 Mar 03 |
| So bad that it's not even worth it to write about it. Teenyboppers will definetely love it, now that Steps are not around anymore, they can go for Stephen Gately. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.165.176) | 05 Mar 03 |
| Having seen this show in its previous incarnation in the West End with Jason Dononvan and Phillip Schofield (who outshone Donovan hands down!), and the touring version at thhe Thorndike in Leatherhead about fifteen years ago, I went to the New London with an open mind. After all I knew the music and the plot, but I wasn't expecting to see a pantomime so near to Spring! That's not a bad thing though. This production of Joseph captures the essence of the original - it was a show written for children. And what better way to get kids bums on seats? Stephen Gately was engaging as Joseph, and I especially liked the courage he showed as a first time thespian, being able to deliver asides to the audience is no mean feat. His tongue in cheek winks to the crowd during "One more angel in heaven" were priceless. The cost of theatre tickets is outrageous so thanks to Mayor Ken for his latest ticket offer. Well worth going to see, and a specially mention to "principal boy" Vivienne Carlyle as the narrator. Linzi Hateley is still the best on the block, but Vivienne threw herself into the role. Please sort out the sheep though!! Go and see, and take the kid! They are the future audience and shows like this are tailor made for an introduction into theatre. As a footnote: to the bitter and twisted old has been who was moaning in the interval and making a lot of noise about walking out - I notice that you not only sat through the second act, but were up and dancing with the rest of us at the end!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.50.13) | 04 Mar 03 |
| Awful, awful, awful... Terribly cheap production, which is outrageous considering they charge £40 for a top price seat. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.158.71) | 04 Mar 03 |
| Is there some sort of conspiracy here with all these glowing reviews for what is essentially the school panto. I saw the late show on the first Saturday. Stephen Gately surprised me as I went with fairly low expectations and he was actually very good vocally. The narrator is also excellent. The rest of the cast were very enthusiastic which is surprising bearing in mind it was their third show of the day. (Yes this one is doing two Saturday matinees). Not sure any company can keep up a nine shows a week schedule. But like other people have mentioned about the tour on the board but surprisingly not in here - the production values are appalling. Costume, props and set look like they cost about £500 in total. Whilst I agree with the set/props being "tongue in cheek" in line with the spirit of the show that is no excuse for not spending at least a little more money. I would however as always encourage people to go and make your own mind up. But whatever you do don't pay £40 a ticket to do it!!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.255.64.5) | 04 Mar 03 |
| I went last night and absolutely loved it. I was humming all of the way home and when I woke again this morning. The production values are a bit wobbly at times but the brilliant thing about this production is that it completely understands what Joseph is about and that its heritage is that of a school play. The kids choir was a bit cheesy but the exploding sheep and the inflatable cactus, how can you not laugh out loud at gags like that? And where else in town can you find a musical that you know all the tunes to before going in. I thought the cast were great. Little Stephen Gately was a bit nasally but showed real star quality, especially towards then end where he seemed to grow into the role. I took my neice and we had a ball, an absolute ball. I will be going back with more children in tow. I think only the mean spirited can fail to have enjoyed such an exhuberant (i hope that is how you spell it) show. How I love my coat of many colours...la..la..la..la - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.193.222.20) | 04 Mar 03 |
| what a show... what a performance.. brilliant! from the very begining to the very end it was all pure joy. the cast does an amazing job and just making you forget everything and like go back in time with them, to the days "when bible begun". Stephen Gately is just so great. with his amazing voice, his cheaky smiles, his shining eyes. he is just where he should be- up on stage, having the best time and giving all he has. for our pleasure. i cried with him, laughed with him, was amazed by the power of his voice- whether it was when he sang "close every door" with so much inner power or whether it was "who's the thief" with his loud voice. and what an angel does he make? seeing all those happy faces in the audience- those who just left the show and those who sat at the evening show. old people and young kids. males and females. people couldn't stop cheering the cast at the end. the could'nt keep sitting, they had to stand up and dance, sing and applousing. people were talking of how they want to see it again. great time! and stephen is a star. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.179.172.3) | 02 Mar 03 |
| I too wish I could give the show 100 stars, it deserves so many more than 5!!! Mr. Stephen Gately is phenomenal as Joseph, and the rest of the cast is absolutely amazing too! Steohen's actin is superb, I cried with him, laughed with him, smiled with him, and almost fell out of my seat when he got angry at the brothers at the end! He has perfected the role and I can't wait to see him again. And again. And again. And again... I couldn't wait for it to begin and i didn't want it to end. The finale was a visual feast, and so was Gately in his ickle silver loincloth! Go see it! Don't miss out! It's a must for anyone aged between 1 and 100! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.64.5) | 02 Mar 03 |
| It is most definitely worth £40 to see! A great show for adults and children and I heard a few kids asking their parents to take them to it again as they were leaving the theatre. A sure sign that they enjoyed the show. Stephen Gately and Vivienne Carlyle have amazing voices and bring a lot that is new to the roles of Joseph and the Narrator. A definite must see, if you're in London for a show! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (151.199.61.48) | 22 Feb 03 |
| The last time I saw this production was at the palladium, and I remember thinking back then that it was pretty bloody amazing.Also, even though I had done it at school and at various other youth clubs, it rather scared me how I still remember the words for literally EVERY SINGLE SONG! Anyway... The problem was productions like joseph, is that its so old scool/80's and kitch, that it has to be carefull not to take itself too seriously, otherwise it will look naff. Luckily I think the case of this production agree with this, and in general they seem to be taking the mickey out of the whole script. A lot of the songs have new twists on them, often in a jokey manner, of which I thought the cleverest was in 'those cannan days' where they all donned berets and sang before an image of the eiffel tower'. The problem is - IT IS ALL SO AMATEUR!!!!!! I felt like I was back at school watching a school panto! It doesnt help that the theatre itself is very 'modern', which gives the whole thing a kind of artificial feel. It made me miss the beautifull architecture you find in many of the london theatres. The New London stage is NOT very big. So what do the producers go and do-they fill the stage with so much static scenery that, it gives the actors hardly any space to move around!! It looks really ridiculous-it seems like every single scene takes place within a 6ft by 6ft space!! Every seems very cramped!! This also makes it seem even more amateurish. The set itself looks like it was built by a school CDT department!!When they mimic killing a goat, they push this cardboard cuttout thing on, which got a laugh, but maybe for the wrong reasons! On either side of the stage are children. They sit permanently on stairs, around 20 each side. Now, while I appreciate that you need childrens voices in this production, due to the vocal arrangments of the songs........having kids sitting either side of the stage, throughout THE WHOLE PRODUCTION, is what we did at junior school !!!!! So that the proud parents could see their kids at all times, everyone sat either side of the stage and just got up when it was there time to act. Is this really necessary in a west end production???!!!! The encore goes on WAY too long. Im in in favour of a good sing-a-long of the popular songs at the end of a musical, but they seem to practically repeat the entire set list in joseph! Everytime you think its finally over, they launch into yet ANOTHER rendidtion of 'close every door'!! On the positive side..The narrator and stephen gately have EXCELLTENT voices, and stephen does his best to basically camp up the role. I also think its EXCELLENT for kids. Easy songs, funny lyrics, lots of colour on stage, and lots of action, mean kids are likely to stay awake, rather than fall asleep which is what they seem to do in chitty chitty bang bang. I would say for sure that you are onto a winner of you take your kids (coz also for a start they aint gonna start moaning about production values like me!). Also, the whole thing itself IS entertaining, due to the nature of the songs. All very memorable and addictive, with witty funny lyrics courtesy of Mr Rice. I mean the whole thing certainly zips along, and it doesnt really have any 'dull moments'. But for goodness sake..do NOT pay more than 15 pounds to see this !!! There are SOOO many special offers out there at the moment, and besides, this is NOT WORTH 40 pounds!! Its amateurish, and stinks of 'school play', and to charge 40 pounds to see it is just a crime, when there is so much talent elsewhere on london stages. I also fear its going to have trouble putting bums on seats. Last night practically EVERYONE had come with kids-and its half term right now. I fear after half term they may have a bit of trouble selling tickets. I am not cussing this musical down-its still a good night, and is VERY entertaining-there are lots of laughs spread through the 2 hours. However, just dont go expecting a professional west end production, because you will be VERY disapointed!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.193.222.20) | 19 Feb 03 |
| I wish I could give this production ten stars because that's what it deserves. I have seen this show many, many times as it is my favorite Andrew Lloyd Webber show. This was by far the most fantastic production I have ever seen. Stephen Gately's performance was nothing short of brilliant. While I had no doubt he could handle the musical aspects of the show, I was simply mesmerized by his natural acting abilities. From what I experienced, I would say that this young man certainly should have a very successful and bright career ahead of him. The ranges he achieves with his voice is astounding. In my opinion, musical theatre is where he definitely belongs. This was the first time I have had the pleasure of seeing Stephen perform live and I could never have been prepared for the charm he exudes on stage. I hope to be able to see the show in the West End. The only thing more amazing than all the beautiful coats worn by Stephen (as Joseph) was his performance. Breathtaking and beautiful. Definitely worth ten stars! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (172.133.216.43) | 29 Jan 03 |
| It was with enormous delight that I experienced the performances I went to in Liverpool. I thought the cast as a whole was superb, and I greatly enjoyed both the performances by the actors as well as the reactions in the audience around me. Stephen Gately in the role as Joseph was incredible, and out of the many times I have seen this show performed in the US, including the touring cast starring Donny Osmond, Stephen was by far the most believable in bringing the role through the transition from boy to man over the course of his performance. It was marvelous to see and I would highly recommend his performance as well as the rest of the cast to other lovers of Mr. Webber's work. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (151.199.61.48) | 29 Jan 03 |
| I have to say that I think this is an excellent show - and Stephen Gately does a brilliant job of taking the lead role of Joseph. I will deffiantely be going to see it again in the West End! Some may be put off by the fact that Mr Gately was once in a boyband - but believe me he has a great voice on him and is far better than most celebrities I have seen take on roles in musicals. I have seen the show before this production, and deffinately prefer this one, the whole cast in Liverpool were great. ps - any Stephen fans I found a site with some nice reviews etc from the show while looking for information about the West End dates...http://jump.to/stephengately - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.168.166) | 23 Jan 03 |
| What an amazing cast! Stephen Gately shines in the role of Joseph, theare is clearly where he belongs! Other credits go to Vivienne Carlyle for her astounding performance as Narrator and Trevor Jary's hip-swinging portrayal as Pharoah leaves you begging for more. With an amazing cast, great production, and choreography, this show is clearly in a league of its own! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.128.5) | 23 Jan 03 |
| I recently had the pleasure of seeing this production in Liverpool over the Christmas period. I have to admit I was a bit sceptical about whether Stephen Gately (of Boyzone fame) would be able to cope with such a role but in his opening line, he proved me wrong. Not only was his voice a cut above the rest, he came across as very confident in the role and portrayed the character as it should be. In addition to his obvious singing ability, Stephen Gately has a great talent for acting. His rendition of Close Every Door can only pull at your heart strings as tears stream down his face. At the other end of the scale he is incredibly funny and will have you laughing your head off! An incredible production with an incredible Joseph. Everything you want from a musical: Tears, Laughter, and an amazing finale! A must-see for all avid theatre-goers! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.128.5) | 23 Jan 03 |
