Thousands of hopefuls have auditioned up and down the country and the judges now have the arduous task of whittling down the best in a series of call backs, followed by Joseph School and a final live performance to find a new Joseph.

Andrew Lloyd Webber is looking for a completely raw talent that he can turn into a superstar. “There have been some great Josephs,” says Andrew, “but, unlike Maria, there hasn’t been an ‘iconic’ Joseph.

“The audience have their favourites but I’m looking for someone with star quality, real charisma, to hold that show in what is a really complex character.”

Andrew continues: “There hasn’t been a male rock superstar cast in a role for some time and that’s what I’m looking for ” somebody like Justin Timberlake.”

And just a few months ago, at the regional interviews, they didn’t disappoint when thousands of talented boys auditioned in Cardiff, Glasgow, Belfast, Manchester and London.

Doctors, builders, students, fathers, civil servants and farmers were among those who turned up and, together with those with some singing experience, made for one of the most diverse mix of people ever considered for a role like this.

“The contest will be very, very open,” says Andrew. “I want as diverse a mix on stage as possible. Because so many people have sung Joseph at school, everybody will have an opinion on who they think makes a great Joseph, which makes the competition, very, very exciting.”

At the auditions, the boys were asked to perform two contrasting songs in front of a leading casting agent, to show off their vocal range, but not everybody had what it takes to get to the next stage…