The opening night of the 2007 West End production of Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Adelphi Theatre was on 17 July 2007, attended by more than the usual number of industry figures, thanks to its three-month 'trailer' on the nation's TV screens. All the 'not quite Josephs' were there, as were the judging panel - John Barrowman, Denise van Outen, Bill Kenwright and Zoe Tyler, the show's lyricist - Sir Tim Rice and, of course, the Lord himself, its composer - Andrew Lloyd-Webber. The red carpet was out, the TV cameras in attendance and everyone was very excited to see their very own 'People's Joseph' - Lee Mead - fulfil the huge promise he had shown week after week on Any Dream Will Do. What could possibly go wrong...?!As it happens, the revolve could... no respecter of the occasion, it ceased to revolve and the show too came to a halt. We don't have to imagine what was going through Lee's mind at the time, there was a documentary crew following his every footstep which captured the moment for the programme The Winner's Story - huge respect to Lee and to the whole company for holding it all together until the show could go on!
By all accounts it was a fabulous night - this much-loved show taking its place in the West End once more to a resounding ovation - there were flowers and cheers, interviews and vox pop, even a special edition cover for the programme (above right)... and afterwards a party, well-deserved!
BBC Radio 5 Live show business correspondent, Colin Paterson, caught up with Lee in his dressing room soon afer he came off stage...
BBC 5 LIVE - COLIN PATERSON
There's an extensive gallery of photos - from the curtain call and the after-show party - click on any below to view all...
And finally, extracts from the Programme (cover, interview with Lee and Lee's 'blurb') and the pre-signed promo card that was to be handed out to the crowds at the post-show 'scrum' (signing session!) on the steps of the Adelphi Theatre throughout the show's run:
Last updated: 31 May 2015