Spamalot

Darlington Operatic Society had to change their venue because The Civic Theatre is undergoing major restoration  and whilst this is going on they are producing their show’s in Yarm  School. The new surroundings didn’t deter them from once again  producing an excellent show. 

There  were many superb performances. The cast had a large majority of new faces and how well these newcomers performed. The lead of King Arthur was excellently taken by Julian  Cound; he was outstanding with his strong singing voice and stage presence and the humour he portrayed was wonderful. His faithful companion, Patsy, was again superbly portrayed by Eddie Jones; using coconuts as sound effects of King Arthur’s horse. Knights of the round table were ; Sir Lancelot and Knight of Ni played by Leighton Taylor, Sir  Bedevere  was played by Jason Slater, Sir Robin was excellently played by  Richard  Hamilton and Sir Galahad  was played by Luke Oldfield with only 5 weeks rehearsal, after Neil Harland (originally cast as Sir Galahad was incapacitated) .

The Lady of the lake played by 18yrs old Ruby Hoggarth was realty excellent with her strong voice. Her highlight was in the second half when  she wondered what had happened to her part and it was very well done.  Her 'Laker Girls' were really excellent in many scenes and in particular in a brief scene of the Can  Can.

Cameron Wallace  aged 16yrs old playing his first show with Darlington  was wonderful playing Mrs Galahad and Herbert.  Sir Lancelot, on receiving a letter from a 'lady in distress' and finds out it is Herbert - their song “Where are you “ was hilarious.

Alistair Wilson  had a few parts and his Black knight was really  dramatically done. When they decided to do a Broadway musical  that was indeed very funny.

It is difficult to describe everything that happened because  the show is  typical  Monty Python . They are set to find the Holy Grail and it takes them all over Europe, they are taunted by the French, they send a wooden horse in the style of a Rabbit into  the castle but are supposed to be inside it . They  now  find themselves in the middle of a forrest and King Arthur is now  in despair and Patsy cheers him up when they sing the  best known song in the show “ Always Look on the Bright side of  Life” The knights then decide to put on a Musical and bring it to Broadway. However they continue travelling on looking for the Holy Grail. The Lady of the lady appears and tells the Knights they have ben in a Broadway Musical  all along.  They have only to find the Holy Grail and the King to  marry someone  and he gives his hand to The Lady of the  lLake..  In typical Monty Python it was an excellent nights entertainment. Very funny indeed

DOS made their own costumes and scenery, and I think they settled into their new home very well indeed. Joanne  Hand   and John Hudson did an excellent job with a difficult show to produce, very well done.

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