Wor Joe takes lead role in Joseph Joseph
X FACTOR-WINNING NORTH SUPERSTAR JOE MCELDERRY TELLS ABOUT NEW
NEWCASTLE will be painted an array of colours this Christmas as Metro Radio Arena plays host to one of the most famous musicals of all time.
In what will be a triumphant homecoming for local lad Joe McElderry, the famous concert venue will bring Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to the stage over the festive period – with the former X Factor winner in the title role.
Joe is, of course, no stranger to the coat of many colours, having earned rave reviews for his time in the role over the past 18 months, which has seen him tour the length and breadth of the country, including a stint at the Sunderland Empire last May.
And the South Shields singer, who has just released new single Gloria, can’t wait to spread some Christmas cheer in his native North East.
“I’ve had to keep it secret for a few weeks so I’m just glad the cat’s out of the bag,” he told The Chronicle. “The arena is a venue I’ve played a number of times over the past few years and the best thing about the show coming here is that I get to be home for Christmas, which I’m very excited about.
“I went to Newcastle College just over the road and I remember we always used to come down between lessons to see if we could see any of the big stars that were on here. Little did I know, years later, I’d be the leading man in a show here.”
Rather staggeringly, by the time Joseph kicks off its festive run on Tyneside, eight years will have passed since Joe won The X Factor. His win meant that he was in Newcastle on the show’s annual live tour, but Joe is promising a different spectacle entirely with the hit Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, which includes world famous numbers such as Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door.
“The great thing about Joseph is that it’s one of those shows where you can really enjoy yourself,” he explained.
“Some musicals demand a certain amount of silence but with Joseph we want everyone singing and dancing along. The megamix at the end is a pop concert in itself.
“I’m sure it will get very loud and I can’t wait!
“It’s a fantastic role to play and a great show to be part of. I was initially really nervous when I got the part as a lot of people already have their perfect Joseph, whether it be Jason Donovan or Donny Osmond, but I think I’ve done all right so far!”