South Shields-born X Factor winner, Joe McElderry, is set to return to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. His North East homecoming will see Joe perform at Newcastle Theatre Royal (Tue 10 – Sun 15 Jun 2025).
McElderry returns to this sensational production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to play ‘Pharaoh’, who rocks ‘Song of the King’ in the iconic musical, having last performed in the production’s titular role during a celebrated 2017 / 2018 UK tour.
Following his fourth starring stint in the prestigious Newcastle Theatre Royal pantomime over the festive season – this year in The Little Mermaid (Tue 26 Nov 2024 – Sun 12 Jan 2025) – Joe will perform as Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat when it visits the region in 2025.
Joe McElderry burst on to the scene in 2009 as the baby-faced winner of The X Factor; he quickly stormed into the UK charts with his debut album Wide Awake, before discovering a new sound during his winning stint on ITV show Popstar to Operastar in 2011.
Joe has been a regular on the stage too, receiving rave reviews for his portrayals of the titular roles in The Who’s rock opera Tommy and Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, as well as a leading role in Club Tropicana: The Musical.
His passion for performing led to the release of his fifth studio album, Saturday Night at the Movies, which saw him cover a string of classic hits from the silver screen. He’s continued to record extensively since, dropping singles Baby Had Your Fun, I Am an Army and latest offering L.O.V.E.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s first major collaboration is a multi-award-winning show. It has been performed hundreds of thousands of times including multiple runs in the West End and on Broadway, international tours in over 80 countries worldwide and has become one of the world’s most beloved family musicals.
Featuring much-loved pop and musical theatre classics, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go, Go, Go, Joseph, the new London Palladium production received a rapturous reception during its previous visit to Newcastle Theatre Royal in 2022.
Joe McElderry says of his return to the musical:
“I am delighted to join the company of the London Palladium production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I have such a long history with the show and to re-join in a different role, this time playing Pharaoh, will be so exciting. I can’t wait to perform to amazing home audiences in a show so close to my heart. Don’t miss out on next year’s ‘dream’ ticket!”
Marianne Locatori, Newcastle Theatre Royal’s Chief Executive, added:
“We are delighted that Joe will be playing the iconic role of Pharoah when Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat takes to our stage next year. A firm favourite with our audiences following his triumphant performances in our pantomime in recent years, we know that Joe will prove to be very popular and will bring star quality to what is an incredible part in a fantastic show.”
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is directed by Laurence Connor. Laurence’s credits include the acclaimed London production of School of Rock and the Tony-Award nominated production on Broadway, the recent London productions of Miss Saigon, Chess and Cinderella, the international arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar and he is also the Co-Director of the new version of Les Misérables which has enjoyed worldwide success including Broadway, UK and US tours.
JoAnn M Hunter (who has 20 Broadway shows to her credit, including School of Rock and On A Clear Day You Can See Forever) is the show’s choreographer, set and costume design are by the award-winning Morgan Large with Ben Cracknell as Lighting Designer and Gareth Owen as Sound Designer. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is produced by Michael Harrison.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat plays Newcastle Theatre Royal (Tue 10 – Sun 15 Jun 2025). Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.