IT WAS a sell-out across all four shows when Island Savoyards performed Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Shanklin Theatre at the weekend.

Initial ticket sales were so healthy the capacity crowds were predicted early on, such is the popularity of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.

It is also a reflection of Islanders' trust in the highly-respected Savoyards that they would successfully pull it off.

It was the first time the full West End version of the show had been licensed on the IW, and marked its 50th anniversary, so the stakes were high.

Ticket sales were boosted with the casting announcement of Jamie Buckley (also known as Jamie Jukes) in the title role — he's an Island boy done good, who is Joseph through and through after spending two years on the UK Tour, and as understudy for Joe McElderry.

What a coup that turned out to be — he was absolute perfection in every way. He looked divine (he's got the loincloth look) and sung beautifully, tugging the heartstrings when rejected by his brothers, sold into slavery and then jailed, before rising to prominence and re-uniting with his family. The role of the Narrator is also integral, and it was no surprise that Savoyards stalwart Harley Mackness was given this important role. She confidently weaved her way in and out of the scenes to explain what was going on, in impressive voice.

Nathaniel Meller needs a mention as Pharoah, in the style of Elvis. He got the crowd roaring when he burst on to the stage, stealing the show during his scenes in a performance full of gusto.

The choreography of each number was absurdly good, especially considering there was a large cast of 59 who were all dancing for the majority of the time, from calypso to hoedown. Congratulations to choreographer Jake Alabaster who had one of the biggest challenges.

Musical director Andrew Woodford led a 17-piece orchestra, who somehow managed to squeeze along the very back of the stage, out of sight but creating magic.

The costumes and sets were spectacular, ranging from Eqyptian gold to technicolor — to match the coat.

Ah yes, the coat! Designed by show director Anthony Wright, it was everything you would expect of its titular status, and of course was cleverly embellished by extra swathes of material for the grande finale.

The Island Savoyards dreamed big when they tackled Joseph, but led by Anthony and Andrew, they were in safe hands. It just goes to show that Any Dream Will Do.