“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, the evergreen hit musical that has delighted several generations, has been performed in the stunning ambiance of Lancing College Chapel, to great acclaim. Sir Tim Rice, its librettist, and a former pupil of the College, created the ‘Joseph phenomenon’ together with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Sir Tim was guest of honour at the Gala Opening Night, this week.
The musical, which has been performed almost continuously since the early 1970s, was originally created for school productions. After the Gala performance, Sir Tim joined the cast and crew on stage and gave them his heartiest congratulations. He said: “I have never seen a better school production and for this to be in my own school made it a very special evening for me.” In an interview for the programme he said: “I was at Lancing in the 1950s and 60s and the ethos of the school was an enormous help to me. It was a relaxed atmosphere where pupils were encouraged to be individual.”
The cast in Lancing’s production numbered about 90 and included pupils aged 13 to 18, as well as some members of staff. The 20 strong orchestra was drawn principally from pupils, and was directed by Ian Morgan-Williams, Director of Music. Matt Smith, Head of Drama, directed the production.
Florian Panzieri, who played Joseph with great zest and audience appeal, is in the Fifth Form. He gained a music and drama scholarship to Lancing.
The narrators included Sixth Formers Ella Taylor, last year’s BBC Radio 2 female Chorister of the Year, and a choral scholar at the school, and Lizzie Haynes, winner of the ‘Worthing Idol 2011’, which searches for the best young entertainers in the area.
Jeremy Tomlinson, Registrar for Lancing College, and one of the longest serving staff members, was splendid as Jacob. He frequently takes part in Lancing’s major productions, and was Mr Smith’s predecessor as Head of Drama for 29 years. He is also Secretary of the Friends of Lancing Chapel and, in this position, has played a key role in the restoration and renovation of this remarkable building.
All performances sold out with record speed.