Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, at the Charter Theatre, Preston

I NEVER thought I would see line dancing or the Eiffel Tower in a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

But there was all that and more in the opening show at Preston last night.

A singing camel, a Brummy chef, American footballers and cheerleaders -- you name it, there was something for everyone.

But the highlight of the whole show was Joseph himself, played by Andrew Derbyshire.

The Padiham-bred sensation has the kind of voice that makes the makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand, not just upright, but to attention.

In fact, his solo for Close Every Door, set on a darkened stage gave me goosebumps from head to toe. Derbyshire, not just a phenomenal singer but superb musical actor as well, looked like he meant every word.

The cast is excellent, particularly the narrator Amanda Claire, who plays a taxing part well. And they make the best use of a small stage, extended into the stalls and balcony at the finale as the audience can't resist urges to sing, clap and dance.

Joseph's Dreamcoat is spectacular, but former Pop Idol contestant Derbyshire doesn't need technicolour to light up the stage.

Simon Cowell's loss has been Andrew Lloyd Webber's gain.

If you love a performance where the cast give their heart and soul, you don't want to miss this.

SUZANNE GELDARD