THIS week the Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline are delighted to present Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s first ever musical, the eternally popular “Joseph and the Amazing Techniclor Dreamcoat,” says our theatre critic Kerry Black.

It is hard to believe this show is almost 50 years old as this bold, fresh, zingy Bill Kenwright production explodes onto stage.

Everyone loves Joseph and it was wonderful to see the variety of ages in the audience, from toddlers to grandparents.

Over the years I have seen many different live productions of Joseph, but I can honestly say that X factor winner Joe McElderry’s incredible vocals put him in a class of his own.

His performance had a real emotional core, especially in “Close Every Door To Me” and the scenes with his father, Jacob (Henry Metcalfe, who also played Potiphar, as well as providing the dynamic choreography for the show).

The pure joy of Joseph lies in the fact that each number is written in a totally different musical style. There was a lot of hilarity too, from hobby horse camels to inflatable, furry sheep and even a giant Eiffel Tower and Onion Johnny for the French inspired “Those Canaan Days”.

The show opens with the crystal clear voice of the Narrator (Trina Hill), explaining the Bible story of Joseph to some children. Gradually, through a golden gauze, the company is revealed. The spectacular set and lighting design (by Sean Cavanagh and Nick Richings) reminded me of an old fashioned Christmas card with its lush palm trees and star-studded skyline.

The hard working cast never stop as the eleven brothers transform from one character into another. While the three female dancers high kick from the Cyd Charisse inspired 1920’s pastiche of the “Potiphar” number, to the feathered fiesta of the “Benjamin Calypso”.

Over the years Joseph has been vamped up, with a Dosey Doe-ing humdinger of a hoedown added to “One More Angel In Heaven”. Ben James-Ellis who was actually a finalist in “Any Dream Will Do” (the TV search for a Joseph), gyrated across the stage as a phenomenal Pharaoh, in a 70’s style Elvis suit, bedecked in gold hieroglyphic embroidery!

A special mention must also go to the beautiful harmonies of the children’s choir from ESMS Junior School, which took me back to the 1970’s when I was in the choir at Woodmill High School and we were privileged enough to be the first ever Scottish School to perform the entire show, under the baton of the late, great Sandy Saddler!

Joseph has it all: famine, fratricide, forgiveness but most of all FUN! I was truly impressed by the sheer extravagance of this fabulous production.

At the end of the show as Joseph sailed onto the stage in his triumphant golden chariot (worth the ticket price alone!), the entire audience were on their feet dancing and clapping along to the “Joseph Megamix”.

If you want to Go, Go, See Joe, It’s on at the Alhambra Theatre until Sunday September 24.