Spamalot

An excellent pre set and set for a very well presented “Spamalot” performed by CMTS.

A “tongue in cheek” adaptation of the legend of King Arthur written by Eric Idle and a popular choice  by many societies.

Both Acts were played with all the cast entering into lively committed performances and it was a strong casting all round.

Heading up on the listing Simon White as King Arthur was a very strong character, and with his faithful Patsy  played by Keith Sippett, some very humorous incidents were well timed and played to great effect.

The Knights with Drew Welham as Sir Galahad, was very good in this role with a very pleasing singing voice, and lots of action generally adding much to this character.

Samuel Small had a good feel for timing and involving the audience  in the character of Sir Robin, and his main solo “Somewhere Else” was a star number as was  “You Can’t Succeed on Broadway” with Robin and the Minstrels, Arthur, Patsy and the Broadway Chorus.

The comedy in the show was outstanding from everyone on stage and hugely entertaining.

Edward Groombridge as French Taunter/Prince Herbert/Tim the Enchanter really excelled in all these very varied roles. Edward has a confident natural manner on stage, and gave 100% commitment to all the characters he played. Well done, most enjoyable!

David Richardson as Sir Lancelot gave the audience such fun in “His name is Lancelot” when the more flamboyant side of this legendary Knight shone through, and John Roberts as Sir Bedevere.Peter Norfolk as Sir not Appearing, and various other characters, all added to a strong dedicated team.

Many of the cast were playing more than one character which was quite an achievement and all well played.

This show leans dependant heavily on all the male characters, however the principal female with Corrina Wilson as The Lady of the Lake was stunning and in superb voice. Corrina played to the audience so well and took command of all the humour in her numbers. I enjoyed it very much.

Many other characters all supported the main cast, Jane Rayner as the Historian, Roger Weeley as The Knight of Ni, and many other minor roles were essential to the show.

The dancing and choreography was excellent and well done to Natalie Stock in her debut with the society for some great routines.

Super chorus with well blended singing with ”Always look on the Bright Side” a popular sing along for the audience.

Paul Welham in his debut role with the society was the perfect choice to direct this show. Paul is a very accomplished actor and excels in getting the most out of comedy and should be justly proud of this super production which was all round so well played.

The band directed by Will Smith-Dye did well. I found in Act 1 the volume with both the band and voices seemed to be ramped up which rather distorted the sound all round, but in Act 2 this was rectified and so much better.

 I enjoyed the show very much, and Congratulations to everyone both on stage and crew off stage and all in many  other aspects all doing so much to give the audience a polished performance and essential for the success of the show.

I wish you well in future shows both with the senior and junior societies.

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