FIRST performed in 1968 when it started life as a 20-minute school play, the first offering by the Rice/Lloyd Webber partnership, the phenomenon that is Joseph must have been seen by just about everybody. Except me!

I was sort of expecting a worthy tale based on the biblical tale of the dreamer Joseph, his jealous 11 brothers and the coat of many colours with a few jolly songs thrown in.

But it is so much more. More cheesy than I expected, more fun - hilarious even, but still managing to get the message across without taking it all very seriously at all.

The story took us from Canaan to Egypt and back again with unlikely diversions to include Hillbilly America, Paris, the Caribbean and Memphis and included singing and dancing to match!

Malvern-born Richard Swerrun made a triumphant return to his home town in the title role, with strong vocals and acting skills.

Others worth a special mention include Abigail Jaye as the Narrator - who managed to enunciate all the words that told the story really clearly while singing - and Marlon Moore as the most amazing Pharaoh. I would say more but I don't want to spoil things for anyone else who hasn't seen it yet.

And then there is the fine Dean Nolan who starred as the Baker and one of the brothers - a large chap who bore a striking resemblance to Phil Jupitus.

Of course the success of the musical owes much to the many unforgettable songs, many of which are repeated at the end of the show to the audience's delight.

Joseph runs until Saturday - try and catch it while you can.

LM