Spamalot

How on earth do you review a show like Spamalot?  It is, of course a salute to the hugely successful 1975 film, Month Python and the Holy Grail.  It is for the most part very silly and, as with most things, the Monty Python the humour does not suit everyone – but all things considered its great fun, sharp with some topical humour, a couple of hours of real escapism and it certainly appeared to suit the people of Keswick who laughed out loud at the many antics on the stage.  So now, just in keeping with the genre, for something completely different……………

The orchestra were really excellent – sited as they were at the very back (of a very deep stage) only revealed at the end of the show to take a well-earned curtain.  On the evening we attended there was unfortunately something of a sound balance problem meaning that on some occasions we were unable to hear the words, and on occasions microphones were a little slow coming in so we missed the first couple of words.  

The set looked excellent and was efficiently managed meaning there was no real down time in the show and movement from scene to scene was quick and efficiently handled.  Good pace is essential in a show like this and for the most part it was maintained well throughout.   I must mention ‘Patsy’s Pack’ which just made me (and other members of the audience giggle slightly each time it made an appearance – and the toilet seat (and its usage) was excellent and provided some great visual humour. 

I loved the Historian – I have seen this particular part played various ways and in various guises but for me this was just superb and very funny.  In this show it is often hard to totally delineate characters as quite often cast members play more than one part, and this was no exception, it is a real ensemble piece with some excellent highlighted comedic cameo roles, and the cast obviously worked well together to produce a finished production much greater than the sum of it’s individual parts.  The principal singers were simply excellent with lovely clear voices and easy to listen to, which combined with some great acting and facial expressions across the whole cast just made it an evening to remember.

I normally slip in a comment which I have overheard from an audience member however, in this instance the remark was made by your Regional Representative who said at the end of the show – “we went to see this show performed professionally in Blackpool – but this was a much better production and much funnier” – I am not sure I can say anything better than that.  

Thank you to everyone concerned for a hugely entertaining evening out, we, along with your audience laughed out loud at the silliness, joined in with the singing and all in all had a wonderful evening of pure theatre, you carried you audience along with you every step of the way -   Thank you so much.

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