Spamalot

Spamalot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur`s quest to find the Holy Grail, inspired by the comedy film “ Monty Python and the Holy Grail “. The musical also diverges a bit from the traditional versions of the legend. Instead Spamalot features shenanigans, including a line of beautiful dancing girls, flatulent Frenchmen and a killer rabbit.

The orchestra under the baton of Paul Blake really set the tone of the show. Well done Paul. Martin Craig played King Arthur with confidence and conviction and was well supported by his aide Patsy, played by William Patrick. They certainly had their clip clip clopping under tight control. It took me back to my childhood days to see them galloping across the stage, and they even got to canter and to trot.

The show opens with the Historian played by Peter Buckley setting the scene and the dancers performing Finland – Fisch Schlapping Dance. The dancers really added to the show and kept it moving along. Arthur recruits several knights to accompany him on his quest for the Holy Grail, including Sir Bedevere played by Dominic McCavish, Sir Robin played by Tom Halfpenny, Sir Lancelot played by David Faratian and Sir Galahad played by Ryan Grainger. Each knight added his own personality to the part. There was some good banter between the King and his knights with the Brits, but it certainly moved up a gear when they were trying to converse with the French on the battlements.

I loved Ailsa McIntosh playing the part of the Lady of the Lake and especially when she sang “ The Song that Goes Like This “. It was great to listen to her vocal acrobatics. Robbie Gaffney certainly made the most of Drop Dead Fred and also Prince Herbert. The parts of the Mayor and the Minstrel were well played by Laura Pearson and Clare Coulston.

I think that the projection screens either side of the stage added to the appeal of the show. Special mention too about the wooden rabbit, the cow and of course the killer rabbits.

All in all a super show, great scenery, great music and good chorus work. It had the audience behind it all the way, everybody went out with a smile on their faces singing “ Always Look on the Bright Side of Life".

Well done BODS and thank you for your hospitality.                                       

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