I closed my eyes....and in a Pavilion packed to capacity, prepared to witness former Steps singer Ian 'H' Watkins don Andrew Lloyd Webber's famed Technicolour Dreamcoat.

As a complete Joseph 'virgin' I was a bit blown away by what unfolded next.

The music struck up and we were transported to a biblical but slightly off-the-wall Canaan, where we met dream-interpreting Joseph - the favourite of 11 sons of the shepherd Jacob.

Joseph's dad loves him so much he gives him a rather flashy, multicoloured coat - Which leads to his jealous brothers hatching a plan to get rid of him.

Sold off as an Egyptian slave, unlucky Joseph ends up 'banged-up abroad' and must eventually teach his brothers some humility if he is to get back to his now aged, yet still-pining father.

A musical in the true sense, the story is played out completely through song - And the result is simply awesome.

Singing camels, an Elvis-inspired Pharaoh, cheerleaders, cowboys and even a strange French ensemble tell this touching story using every musical genre from rock n roll to calypso, opera to country.

I wasn't quite sure if 'H' would be able to make the jump from shiny pop star to serious stage star, but he looked great and his voice was powerful and clear.

As a result, the curtain calls were many and the cheers were loud.

One colourful night out.

Debbie Waite