Joseph heading to Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre
COVENTRY’S Belgrade Theatre is dreaming of a technicolour celebration this winter as it prepares to welcome Bill Kenwright’s smash hit production of Joseph back to its Main Stage in January 2020.
Britain’s Got Talent finalist Mark McMullan takes on the mantle of the musical’s big-dreaming hero from Union J’s Jaymi Hensley as the family favourite continues its hugely successful UK tour into the new year.
Having wowed the Britain’s Got Talent judges this year with an emotional rendition of Les Miserables’ “Bring Him Home” dedicated to his brother Declan, Mark takes on his first major musical theatre role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, fulfilling a long-term dream of his own.
Mark McMullan said: “Being cast as Joseph in Bill Kenwright’s record-breaking production is absolutely amazing! I grew up performing in musical theatre and it really helped me find my voice as a singer and gave me the drive to pursue my passion.
“Unfortunately, due to my brother’s illness, my hopes of making a career as a performer had to be put on hold - until my appearance on Britain’s Got Talent changed everything for me. Joseph is the role that I have always wanted to play and now I am thrilled to have the opportunity to do so at theatres all around the country. The Dreamcoat really is making my dreams come true.”
Showing in Coventry from 28 Jan-1 Feb, the current production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat also comes with additional choreography by Gary Lloyd, the celebrated movement mastermind behind the likes of CARRIE The Musical, Thriller, Live!, 20th Century Boy - The Story of Mark Bolan, Heathers the Musical and Our House - The Madness Musical.
In addition to his impressive list of stage credits, Gary Lloyd has also worked as a choreographer for numerous well-known pop acts, including Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis, Robbie Williams, Pink, NeYo, Paul McCartney, Tom Jones, Girls Aloud, Blue and Basement Jaxx, to name just a few.
First performed in its current, full-length form in 1974, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s and Tim Rice’s much-loved musical takes its inspiration from the Biblical story of Joseph and his unlikely rise to fame and fortune after being sold into slavery by his eleven jealous brothers.
More than 30 years later, it continues to delight audiences the length and breadth of the UK with its feelgood story of triumph against the odds and the power of pursuing your dreams. Presented by arrangement with the Really Useful Group, it has played to an estimated 26 million people across the world and counting.
Produced and directed by Bill Kenwright, the 2020 UK tour is designed by Sean Cavanagh, with original choreography by Henry Metcalfe and additional choreography by Gary Lloyd. Sound is by Dan Samson and lighting is by Nick Richings.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at the Belgrade Theatre Coventry from Tuesday 28 January - Saturday 1 February. Tickets are available to book now by calling the box office on 024 7655 3055 or visiting www.belgrade.co.uk where prices are cheaper.