Bentley Operatic brings Joseph to the Epstein Theatre

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat arrives at the Epstein Theatre next week.

Bentley Operatic Society – Liverpool’s oldest theatre group – brings the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber favourite to the Hanover Street stage from June 14-17.

The amateur company regularly performed shows at the venue until it closed 18 years ago, chalking up 75 productions from 1926 onwards.

Director Michael Pearson says: “This is set to be a major event for The Bentley in its very proud 100-year-plus history in Merseyside as it makes it returns home to the Epstein.

“The society performed for nearly 50 years at ‘The Neptune’ as it was called and even gave the last performance before its closure in 2005 so it’s a huge deal that we’re returning.

“Last year’s production of Made in Dagenham was a huge success bringing audiences to their feet and we look forward to following it up with a sensational large cast production of this Lloyd Webber classic.”

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat started life in 1968 as a 15-minute ‘pop cantata’ which was performed by a London school.

Its first professional premiere was by the Young Vic Theatre Company at the Edinburgh Festival in 1972, where it was expanded to 35 minutes. The Young Vic subsequently developed the show and took it into the West End 50 years ago, while the full-length sung-through musical we know today was performed first at Leicester’s Haymarket Theatre in 1974.

Rice and Lloyd Webber utilise a range of musical styles through the piece including Elvis-style rock ‘n’ roll, country music, jazz, calypso and French ballads.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at the Epstein Theatre from June 14-17. Tickets HERE

Above: Elliot Tutt as Joseph in rehearsals for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat