REVIEW: Joseph at the New Theatre Oxford: 'Big, brash, camp and terrifically good fun'

This superlative production, with former Union J star Jaymi Hensley in the title role, is sheer good fun from the moment the curtain rises on the delightfully garish set.

The show is probably the most fun of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stable of musicals, and this loud and luridly coloured production is as good as any – with X Factor star Jaymi second only to Jason Donovan who, to be fair, has made the part his own.

Jaymi does, however, have the unfair advantage of age, which better suits the role and is more in keeping with the Biblical tale of the outcast brother who finds himself enslaved in Egypt – because we all know you can’t skimp on theological integrity.

Jaymi is a real heartthrob and seems made for the part. He looks great, with boyish good looks, a decent set of abs which he is not afraid to flaunt, and a tremendous voice. For a relative newcomer to musical theatre, he is also relaxed and seems to be absolutely loving it.

Oh, and the boy can sing. Man, can he sing.

The story itself needs little introduction, but if you haven’t seen it for a while, you’re in for a treat, with some absolutely ridiculous segues into surreal set pieces – including a French section complete with stripy tops and berets, a cowboy country & western set and a fine Elvis interpretation by Pharaoh (Andrew Geater).

Consistently brilliant is the narrator, Trina Hill, who pulls it all together with a knowing wink.

Read more: Any dream will do for X Factor star Jaymi

It’s all utterly nuts, of course, but the music is first class and the stage direction and choreography is, to borrow from the Good Book, a revelation.

If you are in the mood for a giggle, get yourself along– you’ll love it. If you are feeling jaded or under the weather, then get yourself to George Street even quicker – because this is just the antidote to the blues.

All together now: "Give me my coloured coat....!"

5/5