Sometimes I just can’t believe my ears. “It’s just song after song after song” complained the young (well youngish) ladies sitting behind me at the start of the interval, having shared out their Minstrels with the wriggling kids noisely during Close every door. We are, of course, watching Bill Kenwright’s touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The show stars Keith Jack, the young Scottish lad who was pipped to the post in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Any Dream Will Do TV show by Lee Mead (currently back in the West End in Legally Blonde). Unlike some, I’ve always had time for Mr Kenwright – despite any troubles at Everton, his Blood Brothers (in its 25th year at the Phoenix in London) and Joseph have been touring the regions for years, probably funding West End shows with less of a fan base. Who can forget his production of Barbara Cook’s Mostly Sondheim at the Lyric, or indeed Maria Friedman’s star turn in Sondheim’s Passion a few doors away at the Queens.

But I digress. This current tour of Joseph – both produced and directed by Mr Kenwright – has utilised the talents of those who didn’t quite make it in the TV competition. Keith Jack first joined the production as the Narrator, alongside fellow Scot Craig Chalmers as Joseph. Now in the lead role himself, Jack throws himself into the role with panache, the Scots vowels have been ironed out and his speaking and singing voice is the best Queen’s English. He has obviously been hitting the gym too, with sturdy thighs which serve him (and much of the audience) well in his loincloth scenes. Understudy Anouska Eaton is on as the Narrator at the final Swansea Grand Theatre performance of the show so we were a handmaiden short in the first half, although a third handmaiden inexplicably appears in the second half. Ms Eaton needs to project a little more and rely less on the sound system to carry her performance, but in fairness it was a 10 show week. The show’s choreographer and associate director Henry Metcalfe is a reliable Jacob (and indeed, Potiphar), and the scene where he is reunited with Jack’s Joseph is genuinely moving. Pharaoh Adam Jerrell sings his solo number with a swing, promising an enthusiastic Joseph to sing the song ‘Just one more time!’ (‘No-o’ cry the aforementioned spoilsports sitting behind).

The rest of the cast are listed on an A4 sheet inserted into the souvenir brochure – no cast details are available, although the brochure lists the full lyrics for the show. Maybe they had run out of programmes, but it’s a shame if only the tour brochure was available all week. The brochure features rather few photos of Keith Jack as Joseph, containing photos of previous casts – Mr Jack as the Narrator (!), and previous memorable Josephs such as Richard Swerrun (a long runner in the role) and the late and much missed Stephen Gately. Even West End producer David Ian gets a look in with photos from his previous acting life.

Joseph started as a 15 minute school production and now runs at 2 hours, albeit with several reprises and a medley at the end (Close every door minus the Minstrels this time round). The local stage school are also on board and singing their hearts out, bringing their proud Mums and Dads in to watch too. The score may be slight, but the inspirational story, coupled with Tim Rice’s witty lyrics and Lloyd Webber’s lilting tunes create an enjoyable evening that wouldn’t offend even the most humourless great aunt. Tongue in cheek, it doesn’t take itself too seriously, with pop up sheep on Sean Cavanagh’s multi purpose set – and one character also has a laugh that sounded remarkably like Radio 2’s EP. The final number in the end of show medley is Any Dream Will Do – a reference to the TV show maybe, but appropriate nonetheless. Joseph sends you out into the night with a smile on your face and a spring in your step. You can buy a laughing sheep from the well stocked merchandise stall too.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Swansea Grand Theatre, 9 July 2011.