Camelot

Old Mill Theatre is reviving the classic musical Camelot by Lerner and Loewe, in South Perth, in a beautiful looking production that feels good and sounds lovely.

George Boyd creates a vast Camelot on the pocket size stage, his beautiful sets supplemented by stunning projections co-ordinated by Blake Jenkins. Michelle Sharp’s costumes are picture-book polished and pretty - especially the gorgeous gowns on Guinevere.

Richard Hadler is a likeable and affable King Arthur, who forms a strong union with Ellen Brookes’ stunning and sweet-voiced Guinevere. Thomas Dimmick brings confidence and a touch of narcissism to handsome French interloper Sir Lancelot.

Most of the other roles are considerably smaller. Music Director Justin Freind shines as the quirky King Pellinore, inspiring spontaneous exit applause on his first scene. Craig Menner’s Merlin is quietly magical, Howard Steinberg does well as Sir Didian, Jenny Trestrail gives depth to Morgan le Fey and Adam Lebransky brings a lightness to Dap.

Special mention to a quartet of young performers who punch well above their weight in this production. Tahlia Menner anonymously gives her lovely ethereal voice to Nimue, as well as serving in the ensemble. Felix Malcolm, without his trademark curls, brings his youthful maturity to the malevolent Mordred - the epitome of base bastards. Felix’s younger sister Eliza also performs well as a loyal page. Closing the show, Denver Havercroft is a delight as Tom of Warwick, a perfectly tuned performance of this hope for the future.

Knights of the Round Table and Ladies of the Court are played by a strong, focused ensemble. Accompaniment is provided by Lea Hayward.

Camelot is not often performed, and this is a lovely example of this iconic musical. A must-see for serious musical theatre fans, students and those in need of a pleasant night of old-fashioned escapism.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Marc Dimmick