Scores of musical theatergoers flocked to The Orchard Theatre in Dartford last night to see the latest version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit show Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The current tour directed by Bill Kenwright guarantees a fun night out for all ages and stars a few famous faces who you might recognise.

The story follows the ups and downs of the Biblical character Joseph, the favourite son of Jacob, who has a talent for interpreting people's dreams. The dreamer is shunned by his 11 skeptical brothers and sold to be a slave before rising to the top once again.

Despite serious undertones, the musical is renowned for it's humour, energy and uplifting storyline.

Former X Factor winner Joe McElderry followed the likes of Phillip Schofield, Jason Donovan and Lee Mead taking on the lead role of Joseph, donning both the loincloth and coat with a beautiful childlike innocence, something that has never been brought to the role before.

There's no denying that McElderry has a fantastic voice destined for musical theatre, and his rendition of Close Every Door was incredibly moving. At times though, it was easy to mistake McElderry's enthusiasm in the role as overdoing it in more serious songs like 'Grovel, Grovel'.

Despite this, it's clear that McElderry has an army of fans which span across every generation, and his version of Any Dream Will Do had every member of the audience swaying from side to side, singing along.

Lucy Kay, best known for being a runner-up on Britain's Got Talent with her classical singing voice, carried the show as the Narrator so well that it was difficult to believe she only made her musical theatre debut last year.

The musical is entirely sung-through, and she performed every song with such ease.

The music in this Bill Kenwright production has a rockier edge than theatregoers may remember from West End or school versions. This worked well in areas such as the Pharaoh's songs - performed by the brilliant Ben James-Ellis of BBC's talent contest Any Dream Will Do - but at times drowned out critical lyrics which helped move the plot along.

The vibrant staging included the iconic steps where the children's chorus sit for much of the production with adult professionalism. However, at times, the set along with a handful of costumes appeared garish, distracting from the rest of the performance.

Above all though, the show has heaps of pizzazz and will leave you flicking your feet and snapping your fingers for the rest of the week.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford from until Saturday, February 11.

For tickets from £17.50 call 01322 220000 or visit orchardtheatre.co.uk