Jason Donovan on bringing the magic of Joseph to Manchester

In a sense they embody the history of this remarkable show, originally created as a short school production and which just gained a life of its own.

Over 30 years ago and fresh out of Neighbours, Jason took on the title role - his first stage experience - and was an overnight sensation. Now it’s Jac’s turn to don the multi-coloured cloak and if anything his part in the show is even more impressive for he got the role while still at drama school, the day before his 21st birthday.

“That feels like a million years ago,” he says. “but it’s been an amazing three year ride and it’s still continuing.”

Together Jac and Jason - who plays Pharoah in this production - have a rapport like younger brother and older brother. A smile is never far away but they are both deadly serious about the show itself.

Jason Donovan as Pharoah in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Picture: Tristram Kenton)

“This is a new reimagined Joseph with the sparks and all the Palladium production values,” said Jason. “We are not cutting back in any way and you will get the full Palladium experience.

“But,” he adds with a twinkle in his eye, “the most important thing is that the two of us are doing it. You’ve got a little bit of old and little bit of new. It’s the perfect bag of mixed lollies with some little treats for everybody.”

So was Jac intimidated at the prospect of having to work alongside the man who, for many, will always be the definitive Joseph?

“Oh, I nearly pulled out,” he laughed. “But yes, it was a bit intimidating and I knew we were at the Palladium so it was a very big deal. But Jason has been very supportive from day one.

“I remember we did a press day together very soon after I got the role and that’s when I was really nervous about meeting Jason because of the legacy but honestly he’s a very laid back dude and made me feel at ease straight away.”

Both Jason and Jac are quick to stress that this touring version of Joseph is unlike any previous show.

Jac Yarrow as Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Picture: Tristram Kenton)

“It is such a different version of the show.” said Jac. “That helps because I’m not trying to replicate what Jason did. How could you?”

As someone who will forever be associated with Joseph, Jason is the ideal person to ask about what makes this show special.

“It’s a very simple story and very relatable story,” he said. “Ironically given what all been through over last two years it’s a story about adversity and overcoming adversity. It’s about a dreamer who wants to think big and is being suppressed.

“In some respects it’s still a small show but there’s no point when you think ‘I’m disinterested’. There’s no fat. Also it laughs at itself; it’s a pastiche at times and doesn’t take itself too seriously.”

Joseph was the first musical written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

“There is just something magical about it,” Jason said. “It’s a funny show in a way as it transcends being cool or uncool.

lexandra Burke as the narrator and Jac Yarrow as Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Picture: Tristram Kenton)

“I’ve done these big ‘80s festivals where you’ll have Heaven 17 and Tears for Fears then little old me gets up and sings Too Many Broken Hearts. Then I’ll play Any Dream Will Do and the crowd goes nuts.”

Jac is still getting used to the audience reaction every night.

“Often they’ll sing along which we love,” he said. “That’s why it’s so great that we get to take it on the road to local venues. The best nights in the West End are on Saturdays and the matinees where people travel into town from the regions where Joseph is loved even more that perhaps it is in London and go nuts.”

Joseph has proven to be a show with mass generation appeal.

“You’ll have mums who were my fans coming now with their kids to see Jac,” he said.

“Playing Joseph is a privilege,” said Jac. “I was aware of what an honour it was from the start.”

Jac Yarrow and Jason Donovan outside Manchester Opera House

So did Jason have any words of advice for Jac?

“I don’t see the point,” he said. “He knows what he’s doing and it’s not my place to be telling anyone what they should do. We do share stories but I don’t need to tell him anything. As I said he know’s what he’s doing - it’s almost scary. He makes me feel a little inadequate although I’ve overcome it.”

Jac added: “What he’s not telling you is that he’s on stage for 15 minutes and blows the roof of the place.”

“It’s taken me 35 years to get to that point,“ laughed Jason. “It was always a good number but it’s never quite held the currency it has now with me.”

This version of Joseph also sees Alexandra Burke continuing in her Palladium role as the narrator.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been in the position where we have taken a West End show and most of the cast out on tour before,” said Jason. “It’s like being in a band as you’ve got your mates around you on the road which was something I found difficult as a solo performer.

“It’s great because you can share a bit of banter.”

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Manchester Opera House, Monday, March 21 to Saturday, April 2. Details from www.atgtickets.com