Spamalot

Cheltenham Operatic and Dramatic Society

Spamalot                                                                                                                               

As seen by: Frankie Telford on June 16th, 2018

Director: Jason Blackburn                                                             

Musical Director: Dave Whittle

Choreographer: Stuart Driscoll

Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

This was a lively and colourful production, which delivered the promised outrageous silliness, and much laughter. The hired in set had been adapted to give slick scene changes.  The make-up and hair combined with Karen Wright and her team‘s well sourced splendid set of costumes and footwear, gave good visual impact, with much additional sparkle in the finale.  The stage was well lit helping to create the right atmosphere, with good use of the follow spot.  The radio microphones and sound effects were well balanced and cued, although Patsy and Concorde manually operated the main one with their coconut shells.

This show requires energetic choreography with some real razzmatazz numbers, particularly ‘Knights of the Round Table’ and ‘His Name is Lancelot’; choreographer Stuart Driscoll had certainly provided this, I am sure that he had taken many of the cast out of their comfort zone.  I enjoyed all the routines, and was fascinated by the patterns of the umbrella dance in ‘Always Look On The Bright Side of Life’.

Musically this show is loud with brass and reeds, but the balance between musicians and voices was good, with Musical Director Dave Whittle once again in total control of everyone.  Everything was well sung with good diction and excellent harmonies.

 

It is such a fun show to be a part of and the whole cast obviously relished the opportunity to perform in it.  It requires a great deal of stamina as everyone except King Arthur and Lady of the Lake play multiple roles. The whole cast brought individual characteristics to each of the roles they portrayed.  The Laker girls had many energetic dance routines and worked very hard.  The ensemble supported the main action and contributed well to the very silly story.

Director Jason Blackburn succeeded in his attempt to bring plenty of laughter and raise the spirits of his audience.  His skilful directing had ensured that his cast brought out all the silliness, fun and humour of the show.  It is a pity that people are put off attending the show when they see the name Monty Python as this show had the audience laughing from beginning to end.  I did miss the Knights ‘dismounting and mounting’ their steeds but admired their ‘horsemanship’.  When sung well I find the anthem ‘Find Your Grail’ very moving, and it was certainly given a powerful rendition here.  Everyone had obviously enjoyed performing the show and a tremendous amount of hard work had gone in to bring enjoyment to the audience.

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