I'm sure 2 other new cast members started with Joe, one playing the lead characters husband. They have had no publicity or mentions that I have seen.
I be very upset as a cast member that someone who's not on stage that long, 50 mins before he appears in the first half was being fated as a massive star.
Listening to that clip makes me think of a local panto not the West End, both the singing and acting and not just from Joe. Not been to the West End for a couple of years but if that's the calibre of performance acceptable these days I'll keep giving it a miss, no wonder it's struggling to sell tickets. My mum said it was ok so I may recommend she gets her hearing tested. A case of the Emperor's New Clothes I think.