Monty Python's Spamalot

The set built in house looked brilliant with large castle doors across the back middle part of the stage The Round table was impressive on the staging which was fairly static with a giant screen to stage right. The changes to it were made by lighting and props in the main which looked great and denoted many different castles, lakes, villages etc.

The direction by Jo Weetman worked really well with all the players understanding the type of humour needed for Monty Python. The blocking and scene changes were slick with no hold ups. The cast had been well assembled and each one fitted their roles perfectly. The choreography by Katie Fry was great with lots of super movement numbers as well as full on tap numbers. The dancers selected looked very comfortable in their roles and full chorus numbers looked very effective. The Orchestra sounded great being led by David Abendstern including the comic notes delivered by the trumpeter in the overture. The delivery and clear diction needed for these numbers had obviously been honed in rehearsals and this paid off allowing the audience to hear the funny lines.

I’m a huge Monty Python fan and the Holy Grail (on which Spamalot is based) is one of my favourite films and it was evident that many of the audience felt the same as they recognised scenes or characters from the film.

King Arthur was played wonderfully by John Weetman who managed to capture the pompous attitude of the King with an ineptitude and contempt for his subjects. His humour and timing was perfect in the role and I loved “I’m all Alone” which sums up the humour of Python.

Equal to John was Martin Kelly who was absolutely brilliant as Patsy. His facial gestures and vocals were spot on and his relationship with King Arthur was beautifully portrayed. He never missed a beat on the coconuts either. Fantastic job Martin.

The Knights all filled their different characters brilliantly. Sir Galahad played by Terry Banham was fabulous. Terry has the perfect comic timing for Python and his opening sequence with King Arthur and subsequent song with The Lady of the Lake had me laughing out loud at the delivery of lines. Nick Angus played the Musical Theatre loving Sir Robin with great dance moves and super vocals on his numbers whilst over dramatising his part as required. Jack Forrest was superb as Sir Lancelot and he worked his transformation with real style. His delivery was deadpan but with great diction (so needed in these roles) and his dance moves were great too. Sir Bedevere was filled a few weeks before performing due to cast illness and Liam Dodd did a brilliant job filling this role with great comic timing and well learnt lines and vocals.

Sarah Thewlis was brilliant as The Lady of the Lake. With fabulous vocals and complete command of the stage every time she was on it, her facial expressions and comic timing were faultless. A totally engaging performance.

The chorus but especially The Laker Girls (with many costume changes) were great with fabulous dance moves drilled well by Katie the choreographer. There were some brilliant supporting roles in this production that need a special mention. Jason Jarvis especially as Prince Herbert, Andrea Loasby as Dennis’s Mother, Alex Farkas as the French Taunter, Peter Demain as The Knight who says Ni and James Earnshaw as The Black Knight and others. These roles are so important and getting actors who totally understand the importance of pause and delivery in the Python way is impressive. Well done to everyone involved in the production as I had jaw ache from laughing so much (and those who know me, know how I love to laugh). A wonderful production.

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