“I closed my eyes, drew back the curtain, to see for certain what I thought I knew. Far far away…”  Well, not that far away in truth…just down the road in Headley Down…but, you’ve got that very familiar tune going on in your head now…

In June 2026, This is Haslemere met Amanda O’Brien of Imagine That Productions (ITP) based in Headley Down. As Company Manager, Amanda oversees all aspects of ITP from creative ideas to working out who’s responsible for the first aid kit. Our meeting with ITP is becoming a tradition as we meet Amanda each year to discuss their annual August Bank Holiday musical at Haslemere Hall.

There is no denying that Amanda is very excited about their 2026 production, directed by Philip O’Brien who runs The Haslemere Singing Studio. They will be putting on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, a musical we all know with its familiar songs. In the marketing blurb, the ITP flyers state:

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a vibrant, family-friendly musical bursting with unforgettable songs, dazzling costumes, and fast-paced storytelling. Told through catchy pop and rock-inspired numbers, this beloved show brings the biblical story of Joseph to life, following his journey from favoured son to slave to ruler of Egypt. Featuring audience-favourite songs such as “Any Dream Will Do,” “Close Every Door,” “Go, Go, Go Joseph,” and the show-stopping “Song of the King,” the musical overflows with humour, heart, and high-energy performances. Joseph promises an irresistible and uplifting afternoon or evening in the heart of Haslemere for the whole family.”

Joseph will be the 10th musical that ITP has hosted at Haslemere Hall. Previous shows have had a combination of dialogue and singing but this year it is all singing and based on the 1991 version of the show with the music from the soundtrack of the Jason Donovan production.

Meet Some Of The Characters

The Narrator will be played by Scarlet who has impressive music credentials with three Grade 8s in classical singing, musical theatre and cello. Wilfred will play Joseph. He is a pupil at the Haslemere Singing Studio who also learnt to dance via StreetDance Nation School at The Haslemere Youth Hub. He enjoys singing and is a talented dancer and actor. You may remember Wilfred as The Butler in ITP’s Sound of Music last year. Amanda shared, “Wilfred has taken part in many ITP productions and has been nurtured via our community. Indeed, it is fair to say that Scarlet and Wilfred are both products of Imagine That Productions.” Ricky Dyer will be The Pharoah in a singing and dancing role. We cannot wait to see and hear how he interprets Song Of The King. This production will also have a strong chorus with many singers coming through tuition at The Haslemere Singing Studio.

Choreography

Professional Choreographer, Reece Millard, of Hozo Dance has a long association with ITP. He is currently choreographing the worldwide tour of Michael Mania, a Michael Jackson tribute. Amanda was excited to reveal, “Reece has agreed to come back to Haslemere in his holidays to direct the choreography of Joseph. It’s a real treat as our production introduces multicultural dance styles which we know Wilfred will master very quickly. Our amateur cast has the privilege of being supported by a professional choreographer”

The Joseph Set

ITP is having a set custom made. Amanda told us, "Through the use of lighting, the pyramid will transform the stage from jail scenes to Pharaoh's court in the blink of an eye. It can instantly shape moods, emotions & excitement.”

A full production team is working with Abi from Mop & Bucket Props  to create this unique set. Abi has set-making experience from Titchfield Festival Theatre and this is going to be a collaboration that will wow the audience in Haslemere.

Joseph Costumes

Costumes for this production have been sourced from a specialist firm in Manchester, Charades Theatrical Costume Hire. Amanda explained, “Joseph is such a visual production, crammed with colour and a real feast for the eyes. The costumes are so vibrant and it is a big investment for us.”

Goodwill

ITP is hugely reliant on the goodwill of the cast and their families who give two weeks of their time in August and work really hard. Amanda also acknowledged the invaluable support of the professionals involved who work at mates’ rates. Haslemere Hall also supports ITP year in and year out. “People are so generous in sharing their time and knowledge, for example, Ray and all the technicians are amazing.”

Volunteers are at the heart of Joseph. With the expertise and support of volunteers, ITP can put on this show. There is a trained team of chaperones with support from Surrey County Council, Hampshire County Council and West Sussex County Council. There are parent volunteers and Haslemere Hall volunteers. Some of the Directors give their time for free and Amanda and Philip O’Brien give hundreds of unpaid hours making their musicals happen. It is remarkable how much this non-profit organisation gives to the community!

Financial Support

ITP has received a grant from The Humphrey Richardson Taylor Charitable Trust which supports amateur performances in Surrey. They have also partnered with Party Arty on Lower Street with a really good cross over between their wonderful technicolour creativity and Joseph.

Joining In The Joy

Amanda is looking forward to drawing back the curtain at Haslemere Hall and sharing Joseph with a Haslemere audience, “It is going to be a fun and fantastic outing. Philip is very good at bringing out the comedy in musicals. Joseph is so funny.”  There is good news for everyone who loves Joseph, there will be a chance for audience participation at the end of (not during!) the show where, Amanda revealed, "We’ll have a MegaMix finale where everyone can join in with a light show spectacle with synchronized lighting choreography via our Pyramid."

Joseph Performance Dates

Tickets are on sale now for Joseph via the Haslemere Hall box office. There will be six shows of Joseph running on Thursday 27thAugust, Friday 28th August and Saturday 29th August. We have huge admiration for these young actors who will perform six times over three days with no shared parts. And, be quick, there is a special offer for the Thursday matinee where tickets are for sale for £15 (plus booking fee).

Find Out More About Imagine That Productions

ITP Website

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