Horsham Arts Council cast and crew have been busy preparing and rehearsing for the musical extravaganza since last year.

Director Simon Dandy said everything had come together nicely for the production’s run of 10 shows.

“We casted in December and started rehearing in January, so it’s been a long process,” he said.

“We’ve been rehearsing three times a week, so it’s been a big couple of weeks leading up to this point.

“It can be tough during the rehearsal period, but it’s all worth it once it comes together.

“There are 66 cast members on rotation for the duration of the production, with the youngest aged nine and the eldest in their 60s.

“All up, there are about 150 people who have worked on the show and each person is just as important as the next.”

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was the first musical written and staged by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Based on a Biblical story, the musical tells the story of Joseph (played by Beau Ladlow), a handsome young man who is his father’s favourite child and the bearer of an amazing coloured coat. 

Joseph’s eleven brothers become insatiably jealous resulting in them selling Joseph into slavery to some passing Ishmaelites.

“It has been 20 years since we last performed Joseph and there will be a reunion on May 12 for the original 1998 cast,” he said.

Mr Dandy said the production was suitable for people of all ages.

“We went on a limb in October when we did Rent, which was very popular but suited to a limited audience,” he said.

“We had to go back to a more family friendly show. 

“Joseph is so much fun – it’s colourful, and has fantastic singing and dancing. It has very wide appeal.”

Cast member, producer and assistant director Jess Wilson said the team were excited to share the show with the Horsham community.

“It’s a really great feel-good show that allows you to just sit back and have a laugh,” she said.

Tickets for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat can be purchased from the Horsham Town Hall’s website.