Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat remains fresh and vibrant, belying its age. Now in its 46th year, the middle-aged show is in York as part of its 2016 tour, and enjoyed a packed opening night.

Still a firm family favourite, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's hit musical continues to appeal to young and old alike, offering an evening of colourful, all-round fun entertainment.

X Factor 2009 winner Joe McElderry plays the title role in director Bill Kenwright’s latest incarnation of the touring production, marking his debut musical performance. The 24-year-old singer from South Shields is undeniably talented, with a big voice that is strong, rich and smooth.

Following in the sandal steps of big names such as Jason Donovan and Donny Osmond could have been daunting but Joe confidently made the role his own, acting with ease and bringing his own charm to the Biblical tale of Joseph, the favourite son of Jacob who is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers.

His rendition of Close Every Door was particularly captivating and was my highlight of the show.

Classically-trained Lucy Kay, a runner-up in Britain's Got Talent, nailed it as Narrator, with a beautiful voice capable of the versatile vocals demanded throughout the show, hitting the high notes with impressive precision. Her diction was clear, a definite must for the story-telling role, and she had an engaging stage presence.

Emilianos Stamatakis is the Elvis-inspired Pharaoh in his UK theatre debut, and showed off all the vocal inflections of the King himself, although this did mean some of his words - and therefore, the story - got lost in the music, but that didn't seem to bother the appreciative audience.

The eleven brothers and three handmaidens are energetic and expressive, playing their parts with vigour and humour, with rich harmonies in many of the numbers.

The children's Joseph Choir, who stayed on stage throughout the two-hour show and confidently opened the second act, was provided by Stagecoach Theatre Arts School, York, and did themselves proud; their voices were clear, strong and well rehearsed, competently supporting the cast.

Like the show, the stage set is bold and bright, complete with giant statues and a moving staircase, while the clever lighting and eye-catching costumes effectively complimented the colourful show.

The musical score of favourites, including Those Canaan Days and Any Dream Will Do, ranged in styles including country, calypso and rock and roll, and ended with a megamix medley which had many in the audience on their feet.

Joseph And The Technicolor Dreamcoat is at the Grand Opera House, with performances today and on Thursday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, Friday 5pm and 8pm, and Saturday 2pm, 5pm and 8pm.

For tickets contact the Box Office on 0844 8713024 or online at www.atgtickets.com/york