WE MAY be in an age addicted to the new, yet the Joseph musical, first released as a concept album 50 years ago, never ceases to delight its many fans.

Opening night on Tuesday saw a packed Swan theatre applauding every song and dance and begging for more. So much so that the encores kept coming.

Some people never miss a Joseph at The Swan as it returns over the years, and this latest touring production hits the spot at every point.

So why do they (and I) go back for more?

The storyline, a simplified version of the Bible record, is sad-becomes-sweet as Joseph, bullied by his brothers and sold into slavery, experiences an amazing turnaround in his own and his family’s fortunes.

Best of all, it’s pure joyful music right to the end.

No wonder this family-friendly musical with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber has been performed hundreds of thousands of times including multiple runs in the West End and on Broadway as well as being a favourite for school productions.

While most musicals have one musical style, here every song has a different theme with the cast dressed to match. So the brothers move from soulful Frenchmen to cavorting cowboys and exuberant calypso. Never a dull moment.

Most memorable of all is when almighty Pharaoh himself appears, and he’s an Elvis lookalike. Andrew Geater gives an superb Elvis impersonation and the audience were near-baying for more - which he obliged with a repeat performance of his dream song.

As this is a Bill Kenwright touring production the sets are impressive, especially the scenes in Egypt with huge statues and pillars.

The musical backing is also superb, with musical director Mike Steel clearly enjoying every moment as he leads his live group.

The cast are all brilliant. Former boy band Union J’s Jaymi Hensley makes a great Joseph, vulnerable yet warm and strong.

Narrator Alexandra Doar, who plays a demanding role throughout, sings beautifully and holds the show together.

When all the bully-boy brothers sing together they make spine-tingling music.

Three girls take on various roles from wives to cowgirls to cheerleaders with enormous energy and charm.

Special mention must go to the dozens of young singers from local stage schools who perform like budding professionals throughout. Altogether a great evening, and I guess it won’t be too many years before Joseph rides round again.

The show continues at Wycombe Swan until Saturday, September 28.

To buy tickets, go online to www.wycombeswan.co.uk or call the ticket office on 01494 512 000.