Moulsham High School’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat received an extra special addition to its costume department.

The school was gifted the use of the custom-made Dreamcoat originally created to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the popular Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.

The coat was originally worn way way back in 1998 by Aled Jones in a performance at the Methodist Central Hall in London. It was worn again in 2018, this time by pop star Chesney Hawkes, in a 50^th anniversary concert at the Brentwood Centre. Both of these performances were produced by Mark Reed who delivered the coat to the school for the performance.

This very special Dreamcoat was donned by Moulsham High School’s very own Joseph, Year 10 student, Katherine A.

On wearing the famous coat, Katherine said: “It was such an honour and privilege to wear this iconic coat. I’d like to thank Mrs Rhodes, Miss Crisp and Steve for enabling me to have this amazing opportunity, I could not be more grateful and hope I did you all proud.”

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has become one of the world’s most iconic musicals. Told entirely through song, with the help of the Narrator, the show follows the story of Jacob’s favourite son Joseph and his 11 brothers. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled showman, the Pharaoh. As Joseph strives to resolve Egypt’s famine, he becomes Pharaoh’s right-hand man and eventually reunites with his family. 

Mrs Rhodes, Head of Performing Arts who directed the show alongside colleague Miss Crisp, student, Amy C and former student Sophie P, who returned for the production, said: “Having an original Technicolor Dreamcoat for our production was absolutely fantastic. The students worked so hard rehearsing for the show and couldn’t wait to perform for their friends and family. Having this coat to use was the icing on the cake. Never mind any dream will do, any dream can come true!” 

Moulsham High School’s connection to the coat comes from former pupil Steven Roberts from 1159 Productions. Steven’s interest in theatre began at Moulsham High and he went on to design the light and sound for the thirtieth anniversary performance of Joseph. Steven voluntarily runs the school’s Technical Club where students learn vital skills that enable their success as technical practitioners such as lighting, sound, special fx, and set building. 

He said: “We were delighted to be able to support the school by facilitating the sharing of costumes and props from different people and organisations. It was great seeing the pleasure and joy that the cast got back in 1998, for the 30th anniversary, when they first saw the coat. This was seen again over 20 years later with Katherine’s reaction and indeed the wider cast when they saw it the next day.”

The school production began on Wednesday, 11 March and ran for three nights.