The Legend of King Arthur

Attending a home written production by Phoenix Players is not in itself unusual. However, this one was a little bit different. Firstly, The Legend of King Arthur was written in just two weeks by Luke McDonald one of the young members of the society who also directed it alone with Lydia Shorey. Secondly, the groups usual in house playwright on this occasion played the title role.

The production opens with townsfolk while attempts are made to remove the legendary sword from the stone. Step forward the young Arthur who is of course successful. Merlin played by Stephen Peet acts as narrator describing to the audience with ease the events as they unfold from hereon.

Young Arthur now an adult and now King Arthur was played by Baz Stilinski. Arthur is soon married to Guinevere played by Chloe McDonald.   Once Lancelot played by Billy Pearson arrives the story commences of the hunt for the Holy Grail with Arthur’s trusty Knights of the Round Table. There were good characterisations.

Enter Mordred well played by newcomer to Phoenix Players – Laura Dowsett. Portraying as a potential knight we find not is all it seems as her character changed and as the plot developed.  

Morgana was played by Katie Cherry as Arthur’s half-sister seeking to take the crown from him. Katie played the part of the baddie with relish. Should Morgana and her sidekick the Green Knight played on the evening I attended by Adam Rastall find the Grail first Camelot would be hers.

The Knights consisting of Galahad played by Rob Warnes, the ever hungry Gwain played by Maddy Williams and Perceval played by Neil McBride who seemed to only say ‘yes’ embark on their campaign. Each played their individual character to the full while on the quest.  

The costumes were good and well considered. The props were also fitting to the requirements of the actors particularly the handheld prop used by Merlin and Morgana.

The staging worked well. The Playhouse enables action to take place with the audience at both sides as well as in front of them.

This was a clever piece of work especially as written in just two weeks. The production contained elements of a drama with some light moments and modern-day references such as to a Harry Potter character and musical numbers. The piece most certainly deserved a larger audience as it provided an enjoyable evening’s entertainment.

I look forward to Phoenix Players production of All My Sons in May 2020.

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