Joseph spectacular

23rd March, 2010

Packwood's senior children, under the direction of Howard Bourne, Jane Jones and Rachael Downey (mum of Ella and Imogen), have again surpassed themselves with a spectacular production of Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The children from the 1s, 2s and 3s have been rehearsing the musical throughout the spring term and all their hard work culminated in three magnificent performances last week.

The story of Joseph is told entirely through song so this was an ambitious project requiring lots of reliable singers. Fortunately Packwood is blessed with many who are expertly taught by members of the Music Department both in individual lessons and in the thriving Senior Choir. Edward Carroll in the title role was a revelation - singing with confidence, clarity, excellent pitch, tone and volume. He never missed a beat or forgot a line and acted with style and confidence too. Narrators Emelia Lavender, Tansy Massey, Olivia Annan and Tilly Cooper sang beautifully - always clear, audible, in time and in tune.

This was a large scale production with a cast of 63 children playing the parts of Jacob and his sons, members of Potiphar's family and household, Ishmaelites, Pharaoh's courtiers, charioteers, jailers, guardsmen and others - and they were admirably supported by a chorus of a further 24 children from the 3s who sang with verve and enthusiasm.

There were some excellent individual performances - Freddie Earlam was a magnificent world-weary, heavy-hearted Reuben as he sang a melancholy ballad delivered in a wonderful French accent. Other highlights were the terrifyingly vampish Potiphar's wife (a la Amy Winehouse) played by the peerless Olivia Wade-Smith with outstanding stage presence and confidence, matched only perhaps by Gus Langford's Pharaoh who dominated the stage in his splendid Elvis costume and thrilled some of the audience on the front row with his asides: 'How are you, gorgeous?', 'Meet me after the show.'

A fantastic production like this requires not only commitment and hard work from the children but also the invaluable support and dedication of numerous members of staff. Most important of all perhaps was the accompanying music performed superbly by Miss McEntee and a small orchestra, under the guidance of Mr Dowlen.

The cast's outstanding performances were enhanced by an exceptional set created by Mr Dougan and Sir Anthony Rigby and by the ever-reliable Jane Jones's wonderful costumes. Mrs Crawley and her team added the finishing touches with their make-up artistry. Stage lighting was adeptly managed by William Allott and Mr Bayliss and the indispensable Mr Nogues, Mrs Parry, Miss Wilkinson and Mrs Edwards worked backstage to ensure the performances went off without a hitch. This truly was a magnificent team effort and a tribute to Howard Bourne, whose boundless energy, indomitable enthusiasm, drive and ambition have made so many Packwood drama productions such spectacular events. His will be a hard act to follow!