Spamalot

Merriman Theatre Group

Spamalot

As seen by: Frankie Telford on May 17th, 2018

Director and Musical Director: Graeme Savage

Choreographer:  Sarah Savage

The Rondo Theatre, Larkhall, Bath

Having just been involved in this production with my own society, I was looking forward to seeing this hilarious parody on the Arthurian legend again and was not disappointed.  The Rondo Theatre in Bath is a very intimate space and does not lend itself to elaborate sets, as there is very little backstage area.  All the scenery was permanently set at the back of the stage, with a castle stage right and an arched entrance centre back, with other necessary items brought on as required.  There are so many changes of role the cast undertake that costuming the show has its difficulties with rapid changes.  The ensemble and dancers are so busy that it had been decided to give them fairly simple basic costumes, which were modified as necessary.  The Knights all looked splendid, as did The Lady of the Lake.

The show had been well choreographed by Sarah Savage with all the numbers well-rehearsed and confidently executed.  From the silly ‘Fisch Schlapping Song’ to the energetic ‘His Name is Lancelot’ and the tap-dancing ‘Knights of the Round Table’

A three-piece band positioned in the wings, as it is such a small acting area there is nowhere else for musicians, provided the music for this show.  All the songs were sung confidently with excellent diction and particular highlights being the Diva’s Lament and the rewritten Star Song.

 

The show had been well cast, with everyone entering into the spirit of things with most people playing multiple roles, the few exceptions being King Arthur, Patsy and The Lady of the Lake who maintained one character throughout.  Everyone, both principals and ensemble, had developed individual characters and worked well together, supporting each other.  It would take too long to mention everyone. and all their roles but I would like to mention the brave ladies in the ‘Star Song’, and the young lady, on the Thursday, playing ‘Sir Not-Appearing-In-This-Show’ who did everything asked of her very confidently. I enjoyed them all.

A great deal of thought had gone into the show and there were some lovely touches. The venue leant itself to the whole cast and crew and all but on musician being on stage when King Arthur sang ‘I’m All Alone’, also the Grail being suspended and soaring over the heads of the audience, with the Knights in hot pursuit going through the audience up the central staircase to the back of the theatre, and the Wooden Rabbit with the folding down ears.  It was a nice touch when Tim the Enchanter was speaking with a cut glass accent until he was called a ‘Scottish git’ and changed to a broad Scottish accent, also the ‘peasant’ who ‘found’ the Grail was rewarded with a tin of Spam with a crown on it.  Everyone had worked together to produce a most entertaining show.

 

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