Originally Posted by lipgloss:
“Anyone know what The lord said(he's shown on stage in one of the pics)?”
“Anyone know what The lord said(he's shown on stage in one of the pics)?”
I would imagine that he'll let us know what he thinks via his website.
The Joseph 'official' review thread
2 of 6
Originally Posted by lipgloss:
“http://arts.independent.co.uk/theatr...cle2779469.ece
Guardian are the only ones not to like it so far, Indie are bit on the fence.
Wonder if Preeti will be replaced.
Bev2110
Don't think much of the Mail (as per usual!).”
“http://arts.independent.co.uk/theatr...cle2779469.ece
Guardian are the only ones not to like it so far, Indie are bit on the fence.
Wonder if Preeti will be replaced.
Bev2110
Don't think much of the Mail (as per usual!).”
I feel that both the Guardian and Mail have been honest! in their "review" - at times we can all be too "close" to a subject or person?
Without the TV support that "ADWD" has given the show, I think it could have had lots more critics so in truth it has got off quite well - so far!!!.
Originally Posted by jaybs:
“I feel that both the Guardian and Mail have been honest! in their "review" - at times we can all be too "close" to a subject or person?”
“I feel that both the Guardian and Mail have been honest! in their "review" - at times we can all be too "close" to a subject or person?”
So you were at press night?
I'm jealous.
Originally Posted by jaybs:
“I feel that both the Guardian and Mail have been honest! in their "review" - at times we can all be too "close" to a subject or person?
Without the TV support that "ADWD" has given the show, I think it could have had lots more critics so in truth it has got off quite well - so far!!!.”
“I feel that both the Guardian and Mail have been honest! in their "review" - at times we can all be too "close" to a subject or person?
Without the TV support that "ADWD" has given the show, I think it could have had lots more critics so in truth it has got off quite well - so far!!!.”
Still don't like the review in The Mail.
Were you there?
I didn't think the Mail's review was too disparaging and I agree with most of the criticisms made by both the Mail and the Guardian. Priya's voice isn't as strong as it should be for a part that basically pushes the narrative forward, and the Pharoah does a great, funny Elvis but you can't hear what he's singing and this is kind of important in musical theatre.
Joesph doesn't pretend to be sophisticated or elite - its a fun, tongue-in-cheek musical. Its not for everyone but if the Guardian send the same people to review Joseph as they to to review Ibsen its inevitable that they may not love it. I'm not surprised the best reviews came from the tabloids.
Joesph doesn't pretend to be sophisticated or elite - its a fun, tongue-in-cheek musical. Its not for everyone but if the Guardian send the same people to review Joseph as they to to review Ibsen its inevitable that they may not love it. I'm not surprised the best reviews came from the tabloids.
They always seem to bring out their big guns when there is something big to review. All these people trundled up to Manchester to review Will Young's play when they hardly set foot out of the West End. Some of them went with the intention of putting the boot in so I think that the reviews have, on the whole, been excellent. Who could not like Lee? He is charm personified!
Originally Posted by Gill P:
“They always seem to bring out their big guns when there is something big to review. All these people trundled up to Manchester to review Will Young's play when they hardly set foot out of the West End. Some of them went with the intention of putting the boot in so I think that the reviews have, on the whole, been excellent. Who could not like Lee? He is charm personified!”
“They always seem to bring out their big guns when there is something big to review. All these people trundled up to Manchester to review Will Young's play when they hardly set foot out of the West End. Some of them went with the intention of putting the boot in so I think that the reviews have, on the whole, been excellent. Who could not like Lee? He is charm personified!”
Hello fellow Will fan!
Tis true the spreadsheets sometimes are WAY off the mark with their reviews. The Guardian rarely has anything remotely nice to say about anything that includes 'reality' stars or 'Film/Pop stars' who do acting etc.
The public like it - that's all that matters.
Originally Posted by Gill P:
“They always seem to bring out their big guns when there is something big to review. All these people trundled up to Manchester to review Will Young's play when they hardly set foot out of the West End. Some of them went with the intention of putting the boot in so I think that the reviews have, on the whole, been excellent. Who could not like Lee? He is charm personified!”
“They always seem to bring out their big guns when there is something big to review. All these people trundled up to Manchester to review Will Young's play when they hardly set foot out of the West End. Some of them went with the intention of putting the boot in so I think that the reviews have, on the whole, been excellent. Who could not like Lee? He is charm personified!”
Didn't they just!
Lee is gorgeous and whatever the broadsheets say, Lee is putting bums on seats.
Originally Posted by bev2110:
“Didn't they just!
Lee is gorgeous and whatever the broadsheets say, Lee is putting bums on seats.”
“Didn't they just!
Lee is gorgeous and whatever the broadsheets say, Lee is putting bums on seats.
”
I don't think they went intentionally to put the boot in - I think they were more objective than some of the other reviewers but also that they didn't necessarily go and see it in the spirit in which it was intended. Kind of like them going to the Pantomime at Christmas and reviewing it against the same criteria as they would King Lear.
Dammit, all these positive reviews are making me want to go and see it a second time but I'll never get tickets now!
I think we have mentioned some of the mails niggles in the review thread(its not a flawless production, it could be better) but most of us that have seen it were suprised at how well Lee did the comedy and I've not seen any complaints about him as a mover. thats where I'd say they were harsh.
I suppose this and SOM are 2 shows where the reviews are irrelevant in that they bear no weight on ticket sales and so the critics are going to be a bit miffed that their power is diminished.
I suppose this and SOM are 2 shows where the reviews are irrelevant in that they bear no weight on ticket sales and so the critics are going to be a bit miffed that their power is diminished.
Originally Posted by Lorna1000:
“I don't think they went intentionally to put the boot in - I think they were more objective than some of the other reviewers but also that they didn't necessarily go and see it in the spirit in which it was intended. Kind of like them going to the Pantomime at Christmas and reviewing it against the same criteria as they would King Lear.”
“I don't think they went intentionally to put the boot in - I think they were more objective than some of the other reviewers but also that they didn't necessarily go and see it in the spirit in which it was intended. Kind of like them going to the Pantomime at Christmas and reviewing it against the same criteria as they would King Lear.”
I agree. And you'd think that these supposedly intelligent theatre critics would be able to acknowledge that difference.
Giving it 2 stars is just ridiculous. What they should be asking is 'what is the audience expecting from this show?' and 'Does it meet expectations?' On this basis, I don't see how they could give it anything less than 5 stars.
Originally Posted by lipgloss:
“I think we have mentioned some of the mails niggles in the review thread(its not a flawless production, it could be better) but most of us that have seen it were suprised at how well Lee did the comedy and I've not seen any complaints about him as a mover. thats where I'd say they were harsh.
I suppose this and SOM are 2 shows where the reviews are irrelevant in that they bear no weight on ticket sales and so the critics are going to be a bit miffed that their power is diminished.”
“I think we have mentioned some of the mails niggles in the review thread(its not a flawless production, it could be better) but most of us that have seen it were suprised at how well Lee did the comedy and I've not seen any complaints about him as a mover. thats where I'd say they were harsh.
I suppose this and SOM are 2 shows where the reviews are irrelevant in that they bear no weight on ticket sales and so the critics are going to be a bit miffed that their power is diminished.”
I think the person saying Lee was not a natural comedian/mover meant real-life Lee, but that he could pull it off on stage. It wasn't very cleary written, but I think (hope!) that's what he meant.
Originally Posted by googleking:
“Pictures of the opening night and afterparty
http://editorial.gettyimages.com/Sea...entId=75433033
http://editorial.gettyimages.com/Sea...entId=75433029
http://photo.wenn.com/index.php?ref=...07&version=int
http://photo.wenn.com/index.php?ref=...07&version=int
(try reloading these WENN ones if they don't work first time - rubbish web site)”
“Pictures of the opening night and afterparty
http://editorial.gettyimages.com/Sea...entId=75433033
http://editorial.gettyimages.com/Sea...entId=75433029
http://photo.wenn.com/index.php?ref=...07&version=int
http://photo.wenn.com/index.php?ref=...07&version=int
(try reloading these WENN ones if they don't work first time - rubbish web site)”
Thanks for these (and the tip to refresh). This lazy Angel always likes to see the pics. DVO with Chris Parker??? Times are hard eh Denise. And Carole Caplin?? when did she become a somebody
If anyone sees pics of Ben (and the other Joes
) from last night could you please please post. Thanks
I've read lots of reviews from ordinary peeps who have been to see previews of the show. Not one that I can think of had anything bad to say about Lee/his performance (and not all were die-hard Lee fans).
To be honest, I expected better from the Guardian crit than a comment about Lee's 'chunky thighs'. Hardly constructive criticism!
I agree with what others have said about criting Joseph in the same way that they would crit higher-brow stuff!
To be honest, I expected better from the Guardian crit than a comment about Lee's 'chunky thighs'. Hardly constructive criticism!
I agree with what others have said about criting Joseph in the same way that they would crit higher-brow stuff!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/new...m&news=1&ms3=4
Is this^ what was on breakfast tv this morning?
Is this^ what was on breakfast tv this morning?
Originally Posted by Lula Mae:
“Thanks for these (and the tip to refresh). This lazy Angel always likes to see the pics. DVO with Chris Parker??? Times are hard eh Denise. And Carole Caplin?? when did she become a somebody
If anyone sees pics of Ben (and the other Joes) from last night could you please please post. Thanks ”
“Thanks for these (and the tip to refresh). This lazy Angel always likes to see the pics. DVO with Chris Parker??? Times are hard eh Denise. And Carole Caplin?? when did she become a somebody
If anyone sees pics of Ben (and the other Joes
) from last night could you please please post. Thanks ”
Originally Posted by Lula Mae:
“http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/new...m&news=1&ms3=4
Is this^ what was on breakfast tv this morning?”
“http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/new...m&news=1&ms3=4
Is this^ what was on breakfast tv this morning?”
Couldn't load the wenn ones even after refreshing
Yes I would echo the Ben pics request
Hi Lula yes well found that was it, could see the other Joe's a bit clearer on the version on tv though
Ok I see the 'wenn' pics now. I do think Chris Parker is quite cute though actually.. 
Thank you everyone who has put all these links on to the reviews, well done Lee looking forward to seeing the show
Thank you everyone who has put all these links on to the reviews, well done Lee looking forward to seeing the show
London Evening Standard
Nicholas de Jongh
For those of us, aged 10 and over, who do not take musicals too seriously, this earliest of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's shows, still does the comic-satirical business with amusing gusto. It offers a seductive blend of camp, kitsch, and cool mockery of a few Old Testament dreamers and tough-boys, not to mention the sound of Lloyd Webber in first romantic and triumphal form.
This gawdy, hand-clapping, seductive revival, based upon the popular 1991 production by Steven Pimlott who died in February, jubilantly keeps a satirical tongue in its cheek as it unfolds on a stage that does not need to bother with multi-million-pound, scenic sensations.
The Bible is cut down to very human proportions, with a kids' choir in noisy attendance. Stephen Tate's heavily bearded Jacob sits in an ornate deckchair. A few sheep, who pass across the stage, are of the made-in-the-workshop sort, while a belching camel turns out to be similarly man-made.
Designer Mark Thompson's set resembles two tilted gold-framed rectangles, into whose space burst a monocled Potiphar with a campish collection of brilliantined friends in white and Dean Collinson's ardent Pharaoh, a spooky premonition of what Elvis Presley would sound like in his plumper, middle-age as he belts out King Of My Heart.
The final image - of Lee Mead's redeemed Joseph elevated high above the stage on a tiny, personal platform - might almost be sending up the current craze for amazing us with brave, new theatrical technology, if he were not, perhaps, joyfully ascending to heaven.
Mead himself, who emerged as the hero of the BBC series Any Dream Will Do, flaunts quite the smallest ego of any Joseph I have seen. He sports the long, curly hair of a Seventies footballer and a powerful, melodious voice that makes the best of Close Every door, the show's single, genuinely sad song to Tim Rice's despairing, masochistic lyrics. Mead delivers it in the cells, to Lloyd Webber's plangent, heartfelt music, with pathos. Yet his Joseph looms small, faint and insignificant when not singing. His acting lacks energy.
His Joseph does not suffer. The charisma of Phillip Schofield or Jason Donovan, Mead's most recent predecessors, passes him by. Preeya Kalidas's Narrator makes her pretty presence felt but the voice sounds shrill.
These limitations do not much reduce the special pleasures of the occasion. For Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat remains at its best lightly sending up the bible story on which it relies.
The music and the staging offers no end of appealing parody. So One More Angel in Heaven, that country and western lament for the Joseph handed over to the Ishmaelites and sung by his load of hypocritical brothers, delightfully spoofs the preachy, moroseness of the musical genre it uses.
Potiphar's Twenties high society world looks a triumph of crazy, mixed-up taste, with men exposing bare legs and white socks, while Potiphar's wife (Verity Bentham) plumbs the depths of come-hitherish vulgarity. The Pharaoh's world evokes with affectionate relish the atmosphere of an ancient cinema epic visited by Elvis Presley.
Nichola Treherne is credited as associate director, but I suspect the show's co-producer, Bill Kenwright, took a prime hand in the direction, as this evening of delightfully nuanced joie de vivre and spirited jokiness recalls elements of his own production four years ago.
Nicholas de Jongh
For those of us, aged 10 and over, who do not take musicals too seriously, this earliest of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's shows, still does the comic-satirical business with amusing gusto. It offers a seductive blend of camp, kitsch, and cool mockery of a few Old Testament dreamers and tough-boys, not to mention the sound of Lloyd Webber in first romantic and triumphal form.
This gawdy, hand-clapping, seductive revival, based upon the popular 1991 production by Steven Pimlott who died in February, jubilantly keeps a satirical tongue in its cheek as it unfolds on a stage that does not need to bother with multi-million-pound, scenic sensations.
The Bible is cut down to very human proportions, with a kids' choir in noisy attendance. Stephen Tate's heavily bearded Jacob sits in an ornate deckchair. A few sheep, who pass across the stage, are of the made-in-the-workshop sort, while a belching camel turns out to be similarly man-made.
Designer Mark Thompson's set resembles two tilted gold-framed rectangles, into whose space burst a monocled Potiphar with a campish collection of brilliantined friends in white and Dean Collinson's ardent Pharaoh, a spooky premonition of what Elvis Presley would sound like in his plumper, middle-age as he belts out King Of My Heart.
The final image - of Lee Mead's redeemed Joseph elevated high above the stage on a tiny, personal platform - might almost be sending up the current craze for amazing us with brave, new theatrical technology, if he were not, perhaps, joyfully ascending to heaven.
Mead himself, who emerged as the hero of the BBC series Any Dream Will Do, flaunts quite the smallest ego of any Joseph I have seen. He sports the long, curly hair of a Seventies footballer and a powerful, melodious voice that makes the best of Close Every door, the show's single, genuinely sad song to Tim Rice's despairing, masochistic lyrics. Mead delivers it in the cells, to Lloyd Webber's plangent, heartfelt music, with pathos. Yet his Joseph looms small, faint and insignificant when not singing. His acting lacks energy.
His Joseph does not suffer. The charisma of Phillip Schofield or Jason Donovan, Mead's most recent predecessors, passes him by. Preeya Kalidas's Narrator makes her pretty presence felt but the voice sounds shrill.
These limitations do not much reduce the special pleasures of the occasion. For Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat remains at its best lightly sending up the bible story on which it relies.
The music and the staging offers no end of appealing parody. So One More Angel in Heaven, that country and western lament for the Joseph handed over to the Ishmaelites and sung by his load of hypocritical brothers, delightfully spoofs the preachy, moroseness of the musical genre it uses.
Potiphar's Twenties high society world looks a triumph of crazy, mixed-up taste, with men exposing bare legs and white socks, while Potiphar's wife (Verity Bentham) plumbs the depths of come-hitherish vulgarity. The Pharaoh's world evokes with affectionate relish the atmosphere of an ancient cinema epic visited by Elvis Presley.
Nichola Treherne is credited as associate director, but I suspect the show's co-producer, Bill Kenwright, took a prime hand in the direction, as this evening of delightfully nuanced joie de vivre and spirited jokiness recalls elements of his own production four years ago.
I am surprised at Nicholas de Jongh. He usually gives great reviews (where they are deserved). Lee certainly deserves better than that. The said NdJ was enraptured with Will!
2 of 6
