Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
Last night I attended another press night at Theatre Royal Bath, and this time I had the pleasure of seeing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, performed by Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society.
Opening night saw a packed-out theatre, with a brilliant buzz in the air from the very beginning. There’s something so special about a full house, especially for a show as well-loved as this one.
Opening night saw a packed-out theatre, with a brilliant buzz in the air from the very beginning. There’s something so special about a full house, especially for a show as well-loved as this one.
I’ll admit I’m relatively new to Joseph, but of course it’s one of those iconic musicals that has stood the test of time, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. It’s easy to see why it has remained such a firm favourite for nearly 60 years.
From the opening moments, this production felt like pure joy. Accompanied by a fantastic live orchestra, the creative team, cast, children and ensemble came together to deliver a hugely entertaining, feel-good performance that made for a genuinely uplifting Tuesday evening. The energy on stage was infectious and I, along with many others around me, quickly found myself clapping along and completely swept up in the lively musical numbers.
What struck me most was the consistency of that energy. At no point did the show dip or drag; it maintained a vibrant pace throughout both acts, carried by a cast who so clearly loved what they were doing. That sense of enjoyment radiated from the stage and into the audience.
From the opening moments, this production felt like pure joy. Accompanied by a fantastic live orchestra, the creative team, cast, children and ensemble came together to deliver a hugely entertaining, feel-good performance that made for a genuinely uplifting Tuesday evening. The energy on stage was infectious and I, along with many others around me, quickly found myself clapping along and completely swept up in the lively musical numbers.
What struck me most was the consistency of that energy. At no point did the show dip or drag; it maintained a vibrant pace throughout both acts, carried by a cast who so clearly loved what they were doing. That sense of enjoyment radiated from the stage and into the audience.
Photos. by Stewart Mcpherson
It feels almost unfair to single out individuals when everyone contributed so fully, but there were a couple of performances that really shone. Will Lunt took on the role of Joseph (a part made famous by countless performers over the years) with confidence and charm, delivering a lively and assured performance throughout.
Photos. by Stewart Mcpherson
Emma Bingham, as the Narrator, was equally impressive. It’s such a demanding role, guiding the audience through the story while remaining an almost constant presence on stage, and she handled it brilliantly. Her vocal strength and range were particularly striking, and she brought a real sense of energy and control to the production.
Together, they anchored a cast that felt both polished and full of heart, striking that perfect balance between professionalism and pure enjoyment.
Together, they anchored a cast that felt both polished and full of heart, striking that perfect balance between professionalism and pure enjoyment.
Photos. by Stewart Mcpherson
The live orchestra deserves a special mention, as they played such a vital role in bringing the whole production to life. There’s something undeniably special about hearing these songs performed live, and the richness of the sound elevated every musical number. The orchestra added real depth and momentum to the show, helping to drive its pace and heighten the energy on stage. At times it felt impossible not to be swept along by the music, which gave the production an added sense of scale and polish that made it even more enjoyable to watch.
This production strikes a perfect balance between polish and playfulness, resulting in an evening that feels both accomplished and full of heart. A joyful, high-energy take on a much-loved musical, and a real treat to catch at Theatre Royal Bath during its run!
This production strikes a perfect balance between polish and playfulness, resulting in an evening that feels both accomplished and full of heart. A joyful, high-energy take on a much-loved musical, and a real treat to catch at Theatre Royal Bath during its run!
Now showing Tuesday 7 – Saturday 11 April 2026.