Monty Python’s Spamalot

Monty Python’s Spamalot
Book and Lyrics by Eric Idle. Music by John Perez and Eric Idle. Cairns Choral Society. January 20-28, 2023.

Based on the Monty Python film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot the musical is an adventure like no other. Written by former Python Eric Idle, the musical comedy takes the audience on a ludicrous journey into darkest medieval England as King Arthur attempts to find the elusive Holy Grail. Through a montage of madcap scenes, King Arthur, assisted by the coconut-clapping Patsy, confronts and overcomes outrageous obstacles until he succeeds in his quest.

As King Arthur, Michael Newman fits perfectly into the kingly role.  He dominates the stage, singing powerfully and exuding the royal touch, no matter how bumbling he sometimes seems. As his assistant Patsy, Shawn Brack gives possibly his best ever stage performance. His acting, along with his song and dance routines, are one of the highlights of the show.

Leticia Wardle as the Lady of the Lake owns the role.  The song Find Your Grail is one of the most powerful in the production and beautifully performed by this enchanting Lady of the Lake.

Among King Arthur’s knights, Kieran Walsh as Sir Robin caught the eye for his delivery, energy and stage talent. Matthew Wright as the bold and brave Sir Lancelot was equally as effective, as was the ever dependable Dale Shultz as the dashing Sir Galahad.

The main players were backed by a talented dance ensemble and actors Wayne Hogan, John Margetts and Finn George-Newman doubling up in various comedy roles.

Songs that lingered in the mind were: “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway”, “Whatever Happened to My Part”, “Brave Sir Robin”, “All For One” and the ever popular “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”.  

The show is brilliantly produced by a talented production crew comprising of directors Venera Walsh and Kate Ryan, musical director Margaret Willis, choreographer Sarah Thorne, costume designer Sheree Barnes, producer Kameli Williams and set designer/ technical director Chris George. 

Spamalot is a feast of comedy, song, dance, madness and energy complemented by polished scene changes, dazzling costumes and stunning sets.

And the Holy Grail? Oh, they do find it in the end, but in a rather unusual place.

Ken Cotterill

 

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