Spamalot

Spamalot - (also known as Monty Python's Spamalot: A Musical (Lovingly) Ripped Off from the Motion Picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail) is a stage musical with score by John Du Prez and Eric Idle, with lyrics and book by Idle. Based on the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the musical offers a highly irreverent parody of Arthurian legend and features a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French people as well as ‘Spam’. The original Broadway production received multiple awards and in the UK featured on one of the eight Royal Mail stamps commemorating UK musicals.

The scenery was pared down to the essential however the props list appeared endless and each item was meticulously prepared - the trees, the fish, the sword, the spare legs and arms, the ‘holy hand grenade’ the large ‘Trojan’ rabbit and the back pack for Patsy to name just a few.  Congratulations to all the crew for making this aspect of the production appear seamless.  The unusual shape of the trees was particularly fascinating.  Every scene was cleverly lit. The sound system was used well, and the cast were heard to perfection in balance with the band – no mean feat.  The costumes were so many and varied but again attention to detail was obvious. From elegant ensembles for the Lady of the Lake to the scruff of Patsy through all the monks, knights, minstrels, dancers everyone was well dressed as befits their characters.

The band may have been small in number but grand in what they achieved.  The sound they created was absolutely right for the venue and the cast, which is no mean feat.  Congratulations to James Marr for his musicality with the score and endeavours with the cast.  Principals and chorus alike were well rehearsed.

The cast of this show had many and varied roles which makes writing a report just that bit more difficult.  Paul Winder in the role of Arthur proceeded through the tale with great alacrity and talent; together with his devoted servant, Patsy, played so admirably by Gill Eve complete with her coconut ‘horse’.  The pair had great stage presence and led the remainder of the cast on the journey towards the holy grail. The Knights held their characters well throughout and their quartets were very well received.  The choreographer, Samantha Potten achieved great things with her team of dancers who performed most actively and created the right vibes in their scenes.  Stephen Taylor understandably reflected on his previous experience as a director and added that to his evident love for Monty Python to create this outstanding production of Camelot.

What a treat the audience had during this evening of pure whimsy and entertainment.  They say that “laughter is the best medicine” well certainly that applied during this wonderful evening of Spamalot.  Thank you to all at BLOS and The Nomad Theatre for a heartwarming evening.

Kay Rowan – South East Regional Councillor

 

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