So Yesterday I was lucky enough to get to watch The Wight Strollers First musical, which was 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'. As a huge fan of the musical, I was very much looking forward to see how an amateur company could pull it off, though within minutes it was hard to tell this was not a professional company (Well worth the money, as usual) The show was, as usual, in aid of local charities and was an absolute belter. Allow me now to review it for you.
The band, conducted by Kim Ball brought Lloyd Webber's music to life and played spectacularly throughout the entire show and the spectacular cast of Island gems performed the lyrics in only a way that Tim Rice would be proud of, Amazingly.
Emily Scotcher perfectly opened the show as the narrator, bringing to the role everything you would want, and more. Her storytelling, interaction with the other characters and cheeky mannerisms were absolutely brilliantly performed and timed. From the very beginning she captivated the audience and got them interested and involved with the performance.
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| From L-R: Michael Mullin (Judah), Emily Scotcher (Narrator), Nick Weightman (Joseph), Myself, Ruby Barnett (Choir), Ches Checkley-Hill (Benjamin/Butler) |
As well as playing Simeon, John Woodford superbly played Potiphar, one of my favourite characters from the show, and did not, his portrayal was one of the my favourites that I've seen. His onstage wife, Mrs Potiphar was played by Beth Batchelor very well in a family-friendly but still provocative way and with the help of Marc Phillips' voice, bought a huge unexpected twist to the character.
John however was not the only multi rolling brother, with Ches Checkley-Hill fantastically adopting the role of the Butler making this show not only his first debut principal part, but also his second principal part. He played the part like a true pro and you wouldn't have known it was his first time. (Once again, he had taken his stage makeup to a whole new level.) He was joined in this scene by the remarkable Sarah Scotcher as The Baker in what became one of my unexpected favourite characters of this production, not only was she absolutely hilarious, she was also great at singing, which I was not expecting.
Brad Barnley stole the show as Elvis-inspired Pharaoh and was almost too cool in the role, you could really tell he was enjoying himself and this led to the audience absolutely loving it. He really found a place with the Wight Strollers and fitted in perfectly...He should be proud of his performance, which may have been my highlight of the show.
Michael Mullin's portrayal of Brother Judah definitely deserves a mention all of it's own, he really added his own flair and comedy to the character which led to him being an enjoyable watch and drawing in my attention whenever he was on stage. His performance in 'Benjamin Calypso' was absolutely outstanding and had me laughing out loud, it was not used as a cheap laugh but instead it was genuinely funny and well thought out.
Of course, the star of the show, Nick Weightman, who played the title character was portrayed with masterful conviction over a variety of styles and emotions, the conflicting attitudes from 'Jacob And Sons' to 'Close Every Door' and then 'Joseph All The Time' really showed what incredible range Nick has as well as showing of an incredible singing voice. Nick should be insanely proud of what he managed to deliver.
Special Mentions go to Marc Phillips who not only voiced the Camel and Mrs Potiphar but also executed a brilliantly hilarious sequence during 'One More Angel In Heaven'. All of the dancers who performed excellently, all of the chorus, who had the largest multi rolling in the whole show and the Choir, especially Daisy-Mae Croain and Hannah Knowles who kept up their high standards despite injuries that they had. Also to the two boys either side of the choir wearing a dark blue t-shirt and a pink t-shirt who were really going for it, look out for them #RisingStars.
Overall the show was superbly directed & produced by Sarah Scotcher and Emily Scotcher. Well done also to Cheryl Rudd for the brilliant choreography. The people behind the Set construction and Scenery design should also be applauded for an incredible set complete with moving King Tut head. The wardrobe team were once again incredible with all of the amazing costumes being absoluetly perfect and well thought out, all of which were made from scratch and looked so much better than anything you could buy. The coat in particular was absolutely stunning.
This show was quite possibly one of the best musicals I've ever seen and I will definitely be back for their next panto and hopefully their next musical.
For now, I'd love to thank and congratulate every one who was part of this show either on or off stage on such a brilliant and entertaining afternoon.
Until Next Time,
Stay Happy,
Go and Watch a Show,
And Goodbye.
Mitch xxx
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