Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat - Altrincham Garrick

SHOULD you go to see this production you’ll probably feel an overwhelming urge to hug a complete stranger when leaving the theatre.

That may be stretching things a little, but this show has lost none of its feelgood power nearly 60 years after its premiere on the professional stage.

Its also a fabulous way to get children introduced to the theatre and the youngsters in the audience remained captivated and entertained as the adults did.

Then they were the child actors in the cast who were highly accomplished when it came to delivering performances way beyond their years.

With a score crammed with musical goodies from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, this is a reimagining of the biblical story and as Joseph Ronan Pilkington combines just the right amount of wholesomeness with a very impressive vocal range.

Or to put it another way, his is the complete performance.

Lewis Sewell is great fun as the Pharoah, his character giving a very big nod to one Elvis Presley.

There are two teams of actors performing certain roles in the show’s run and on opening night Penny Poulton made an outstanding Narrator, guiding the audience on the journey to the show’s inevitable happy ending.

And Matt Spilsbury is in in fabulous form as Judah.

I’ve run out of superlatives to describe Joe Meighan’s work as a director. But here goes. He’s a multi talented man whose more than at home

Louise Petit, the production’s choreographer, has devised routines that give the audience a distinct impression they’ve just gate crashed a party and the talent at her disposal must have made rehearsals fun from start to finish.

Make sure you don’t miss this powerful antidote to these long, dark nights. Prepare to hum along and tap your feet.

Until November 1. Tickets are available from 0161 928 1677 or www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk.

Star rating - 4.

Photo by Martin Ogden.