Spamalot

Following on from their NODA award nominated production Oklahoma! what could be more different than the zany new musical lovingly ripped off from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, namely Spamalot!

From the very start the show is totally bonkers in true Python style as King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table go in search of the Holy Grail, only to finally find it rather close at hand.

There were convincing characters and numerous memorable moments, so much so it is difficult to select highlights as each scene had pace and the actors showed enthusiasm.

Matthew Bridgewater as King Arthur worked well alongside his side kick Craig Robert McDowall as Patsy, both were well cast to the roles they portrayed. Matthew mastered the horse riding with ease (aided by Craig and the coconuts shells) and was believable in the role. The pair had good timing and made a good duo. The audience most certainly enjoyed and joined in with the iconic Python song, ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’ led by Craig.  Matthew delivered each of his songs well but none more so than, ‘I’m All Alone’ during which Craig, who remained in character with facial expressions throughout the show, won the heart of the audience. Well done to you both.

Beth Garden gave a wonderful interpretation of The Lady of the Lake and sang both her songs with gusto especially, ‘The Diva’s Lament’ – ‘Whatever Happened to my Part’. This was delivered with great power as she told of her frustration having not appeared since act one!

The actors playing the four knights played their individual roles well in addition to the smaller roles each covered.

Firstly, Steve Hyde played Sir Lancelot and The Knight of Ni as well as other roles. He played the parts with great confidence appearing to be a regular to the stage. However, this show was his theatrical debut. This was without doubt a true accomplishment and I am sure we will be seeing Steve in other musicals in the future.

Paul Mitchell Jr on the other hand is a regular with Studley Operatic Society.  Roles are in safe hands with Paul and seeing him bring out the qualities of Sir Galahad (Dennis) was no surprise. It was however as Prince Herbert’s Father he truly excelled in this production. I am sure he had fun as The Black Knight with iconic lines such as having known worse and tis but a flesh wound as his limbs were cut off!

Another regular to the local amateur stage, Michael Bentley primarily as Sir Robin was superb. He shone throughout the show and was a delight during, ‘You Won’t Succeed on Broadway’.   

Finally, but not least Jeremy Dobbins as Sir Bedevere and particularly as Dennis’ Mother (typical washer woman as only Monty Python could) also gave a splendid performance

Dylan Faulkner made the most of his three roles but primarily Not Dead Fred in act one and especially as Prince Herbert in act two. Although, compared to other roles they are somewhat smaller this did not prevent Dylan making the very most of the roles such as inheriting the curtains and continually breaking out into song ‘Where Are You’. Indeed some 1,000 years after the show is set the marriage with Sir Lancelot indeed remains controversial!  

Liz Bird as the historian set the scene and kept us updated as to the proceedings. Liz was clear in her delivery especially at the commence of the show when the open scene showed us Finland rather than England.    

Finally, the ensemble involved some good movement including tap dancing. I was pleased to see those who maybe could not move and dance as well as others were excused from these routines. This was fine and better than having routines which did not work.    

The costumes were of a good standard along with quality wigs all of which were suitable to the characters and in line with expectations for the show.  The set was effective and provided some different levels for the actors to work on. The music was well balanced under the control of Dan Tomkinson.

It seemed the cast totally enjoyed the show and their determination to have a good time flowed over to the audience – even when a couple of the cast corpsed!!  I am sure the audience left with a feel-good feeling following the reprise of ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’ ringing in their ears. It was great to see so many audience members in the foyer afterwards taking the opportunity to speak with cast members.  

Next year is back to a more traditional musical – Guys and Dolls. Thank you for the invite to join you all in Camelot and I look forward to seeing everyone again in New York and Havana.  

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