Stage Door Youth Theatre celebrates 20 years with a Technicolor Triumph at The Muni

This February, the award-winning, young performers from the Pendle-based performance academy brought one of the most iconic musicals of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to The Muni Theatre in Colne - the very theatre where the charity was founded in 2006.

Bursting with colour, energy and unforgettable music, the much-loved musical featured its iconic songs including “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door”. Complete with dazzling costumes, vibrant choreography and a live band, the production captivated audiences from start to finish. The show retells the biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob and his eleven brothers, celebrating themes of resilience, forgiveness and the enduring power of dreams.

Thirteen-year-old Owen Roberts (Skipton Academy) led the cast in the title role of Joseph, joined on stage by 42 talented young performers aged 11–18 — one of the largest casts in Stage Door’s history — representing high schools from across the local area.

Adding to the excitement, Joe McElderry, winner of The X Factor and a former star of the touring production of Joseph, sent a heartfelt video message to inspire the cast ahead of opening night:

“As you know, I have a huge history with the show and I love it so much, so I know you’re going to have the best time. Be wonderful, be fantastic — I’m sending you lots of love.”

Audiences were full of praise:

“What an amazing show! I don’t think I stopped smiling the whole time.”

“The quality of the production was outstanding.”

“Our first time coming to watch a Stage Door production and I can honestly say they were all absolutely FANTASTIC!”

“What an energetic and colourful show with so many young people. A triumph! We loved it!”

“Attended last night. It was sensational!”

As a registered charity, Stage Door relies heavily on the dedication and generosity of its volunteers. Special thanks go to Musical Director Matt Leedam and his musicians, Technical Director Leroy Philbrook and his technical team, and Choreographer Amy Bramwell-Ansell. The organisation also extends heartfelt appreciation to its costume team, chaperones, front-of-house volunteers, supportive parents and loyal audiences who make each production possible.

The production was further enriched by the involvement of local primary school choirs from Blacko Primary School and Lord Street Primary School, as well as Stage Door’s junior company who joined the cast on stage.

Over the decades, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has been performed in major arenas and star-studded revivals around the world, yet it has never lost the playful, infectious spirit of its school-hall beginnings.

Twenty years on from its founding, Stage Door Youth Theatre’s anniversary production perfectly captured that same joy — proving that the next generation of performers in Lancashire is brighter than ever.