Ian 'H' Watkins to Reprise Lead in JOSEPH AND THE TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at Marlowe Theatre, Sept 17-21

Fresh from the hit television series STEPS: On The Road Again, and a subsequent arena tour, Ian "H" Watkins will be reprising the character he first played in London's West End in 2005.

Bill Kenwright's production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's family musical JOSEPH AND THE TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, continues to enjoy huge success: it is in the Guinness Book Of Records as the longest running musical of all time.

This colourful retelling of the Biblical story about Joseph, his 11 brothers and the coat of many colours, sings out to young and old alike with a score full of memorable tunes, including Jacob And Sons, Close Every Door, and Any Dream Will Do.

Having already achieved a relatively successful career in the performing arts, Watkins could not have imagined on answering an ad for a pop band, that STEPS would go on to be one of the biggest selling acts of the 1990s, releasing eight albums and selling 20 million records worldwide.

With 22 singles to their name, the band holds some impressive credentials: the only British band to have had more than top 10 hits are The Beatles, and to this day, STEPS command the record for the UK's biggest arena tour and still hold pop's highest Wembley Box Office figures.

Post STEPS, Ian joined forces with fellow bandmate Claire for more recordings, and some presenting. His move into the world of musicals came after he graduated from The Royal Academy of Music. As well as Joseph, he has appeared on stage in various musicals and plays, including CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, FAME and RHINESTONE MONDAYS.

In 2011, STEPS reunited for a documentary series entitled STEPS: The Reunion, which became the highest rated TV series of the year, and saw their greatest hits album enter the charts at number one. A second series, STEPS: On The Road Again, followed them on tour.

JOSEPH AND THE TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is at The Marlowe Theatre from Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 September, with various performance times. Tickets, ranging in price from £18 to £37.50 (concessions available), are from the Box Office on 01227 787787 or at marlowetheatre.com. The show will be signed, captioned and audio described; call the Box Office or go to the website for details. Please note that Watkins will not be appearing in the 5pm performance on the Friday.

For more information on the group, you can tweet them or visit them on facebook. To Tweet Ian "H" you can tweet him here or visit his site!

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