‘Joseph’ at Edgeborough - March 2006

One of the most popular school musical productions is ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’.  First performed as far back as 1968, this wonderfully lively show has lost none of its appeal through time and it was performed to packed houses at Edgeborough School, in Frensham, last week.

The musical tells the Old Testament story of Joseph through a multitude of different musical styles, and the talent on show was outstanding.  Sharing the demanding narrator’s role were Nicholas Freer-Smith (13) and Fabienne Olivier (11).  Both are blessed not only with lovely voices, but also with the ability to perform confidently on stage, and they led us through the show with the self-assurance of professionals.

The lead role was played with great humour and poignancy by George Breddy (13).  He, too, combined a clear, sweet quality of voice with confident acting skills belying his age.  Alex Glynn (13) played the Pharaoh, and clearly enjoyed every minute, milking the crowd’s responses and being every inch the Elvis look-alike.

The strength of the cast was such that one felt that any of Joseph’s brothers could have stepped up to play the lead role.  Their expressive interpretation of those wonderful songs, ‘Those Canaan Days’ and ‘There’s one more Angel in Heaven’ brought the house down.

Supporting these principals was an enormous cast of some 80 boys and girls, many of whom were on stage throughout.  The costumes were dazzling and the set very dramatic.  It was clear that a massive amount of preparation had gone into this show and the producers, Derrick Fockens (Director of Music) and Caroline Elworthy (Head of Drama) should be congratulated on the excellence of the production.

The Headmaster, Richard Jackson, commended all the company. ‘Being able to bring out the wonderful talents of the children is a real art; Derrick and Caroline did just this.  They and their superb team deserve the highest praise.’