We close our eyes, draw back the curtains, and see for certain that, Jason Donovan has now been announced as Pharaoh in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!
No stranger to the show but a new role for the performer, Jason previously appeared in the role of Joseph in the iconic 1991 production. Jason had huge success in that production, selling out 18 months of performances, hitting No.1 in the charts and lending his voice to the best-selling soundtrack. The 1991 production is considered to be one of the most successful revivals of all time.
Following his Olivier-nominated portrayal of Joseph, Jason performed in many other successful productions, including The Rocky Horror Show, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Priscilla, Annie Get Your Gun, The Sound of Music, The King’s Speech and Million Dollar Quartet. On television he has featured in I’m A Celebrity and Strictly Come Dancing, Who Do You Think You Are and ITV’s Superstar. Jason also appeared in ITV’s drama Echo Beach and continues to play sell-out tours across the country.
And now Jason is returning to the London Palladium stage to play the dream-plagued Pharaoh, who asks Joseph to decipher his dreams, and inturn helping him become the most powerful man in Egypt. Jason will rock the ‘Song of the King’ in the iconic musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, in this brand new production.
Jason said: “You never know the measure of a moment until it becomes a memory, and what a moment that was for me. Joseph was a ground breaker in 1991, and what a blast it will be to be back on the prestigious Palladium stage and be part of it all again with a brand-new cast in this re-imagined 2019 production. I’m looking forward to breathing new life into Pharaoh and I’m so relieved he doesn’t wear a loin cloth!”
Jason will be joining the previously announced Sheridan Smith, who has been cast as The Narrator. Although we’re still eagerly awaiting the announcement of who will get to wear the most famous colourful coat, and step into the role of Joseph.
Told entirely through song with the help of the Narrator, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat follows the story of Jacob’s favourite son Joseph and his incredibly jealous eleven brothers, who sell him into slavery. After finding himself imprisoned, Joseph realises he’s got a unique ability; he can interpret dreams. When the Pharaoh finds out about Joseph’s skills, he calls for him and asks for help in understanding his own troublesome dreams.
The show features unforgettable songs that have gone on to become pop and musical theatre standards, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door To Me, Jacob and Sons, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go Go Go Joseph.
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be directed by Laurence Connor (School of Rock Miss Saigon). The creative team is made up of choreographer JoAnn M Hunter, Morgan Large designing the set and costumes, lighting designer Ben Cracknell and sound designer Gareth Owen.
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starts its limited run on the 27 June 2019 and you can book your tickets here now!