I have to admit, I’ve never been a great fan of Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

But it wasn’t until I saw this production at the Palace, that I realised why… I just hadn’t seen a good one.

And it would be something of an understatement to say this version, with X-Factor winner Joe McElderry in the title role, is a good one. It is superb and I’ve been converted.

I think the difference between this show and previous productions of the cheesy Lloyd-Webber and Rice classic is that it doesn’t take itself seriously.

From the opening number through memorable tunes such as One More Angel in Heaven, Close Every Door and Any Dream Will Do, the production gets the audience going and leaves everyone with smile on their face. It is the perfect antidote to the gloom dominating the news at the moment.

A very strong cast throws everything at the audience with an energy and enthusiasm which is instantly infectious.

McElderry is excellent as Joseph,showing why he won the X-Factor but also that musical theatre is his natural home. And his talent is matched by fellow talent show success, Lucy Kay as the narrator.

This vibrant and exciting retelling of the biblical story about Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours sings out to young and old alike with a score which is crammed wall to wall with hits.

And this sparkling Bill Kenwright production of the family musical certainly delivers. Well worth a visit. Runs till Saturday April 2.

Dave Toomer