By A.C. Holmes, journalism student, Darlington College

THE rainbow-coloured cast of Bill Kenwright's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat received a standing ovation after their opening performance at the Darlington Civic Theatre.

The X Factor's Lloyd Daniels takes centre stage as Joseph, the wide-eyed young shepherd with a unique talent for interpreting dreams. His zealous performance and pronounced Welsh accent inspire sympathy – and laughs – from the audience, as they are treated to the story of how he beat impossible odds and rose to the rank of assistant to Egypt's mighty Pharaoh. Joining him is Over The Rainbow winner Danielle Hope as the narrator, who drives the play forward with unfettered enthusiasm and vocal cords of steel.

Joseph is a musical that is dedicated to capturing the colourful energy of a primary school nativity scene – a theme that is reinforced by the company of Stagecoach Darlington's Joseph choir, who were belting out Any Dream Will Do long past their bedtimes. The narrator addresses them as if she was a music teacher.

The musical numbers, ranging from a Western-themed ho-down to a rock 'n' roll Elvis tribute, are quirky and undoubtedly camp, showing off dazzling costumes and choreography. While an older audience may be left with a slightly sour after taste – the feeling that it is all just a little dated – youngsters will adore Joseph's famous coat and the slapstick antics of his eleven jealous brothers.

With an endearingly simple storyline and an all-singing, all-dancing cast that deserves a trophy for what has to be the most hard-working performance of the year, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a thoroughly enjoyable family musical that has the audience up and clapping at the end.