Spamalot

I must admit I have avoided Spamalot in the past, but I’m glad I took the plunge this time around. The show is a paradox. On the one hand being a 14 time Tony nominee and a Broadway hit, based on the work of one of the most iconic comedy groups in history; and conversely being a gigantic urine extractor full of old gags and corny music which surely has something to offend everyone (though I applaud its delicious political incorrectness). Oh, there is one other thing I should mention…it is abso-freaking-lutely hilarious.

Jane Court has wanted to direct this for a long time and so she has thrown in everything bar the kitchen sink to make us laugh. Some might feel she has jumped the shark in “You won’t succeed on Broadway (If you don’t have any Jews)” by replacing the medieval costumes of the original production with full Hassidic curls, aprons and black hats for Sir Robin’s number and the bottle dance. But even if you Tsk Tsk….I defy you not to cry from laughing. For a medium-sized company on a small budget, this production is a triumph.

There are the usual community theatre problems of not everyone being equally skilled, especially where the dancers are concerned. But Choreographer Keir Jasper has mostly overcome that and MD Ian Nisbet keeps the skilled band tight at all times.

The cast are all excellent but special mention to Sam Marzden as King Arthur. He’s funny, endearing, and yet with the command of a true king; astonishing when you read that this is his first show ever. Bravo. Lisa Nightingale has a great voice and loads of stage appeal, and yet this is her first lead role. Another delightful surprise. Nick Rouse makes an excellent Patsy with great comic timing; Matt Bearup is very funny as an unlikely Lancelot; Ben Moody is extremely impressive as Sir Dennis Galahad and Jake Waterworth almost stops the show as Prince Herbert. But the undisputed star is Matthew Hadgraft….a QUADRUPLE threat as Sir Robin. I watched the Broadway cast on Youtube and Matt even out-Robins David Hyde Pierce.

Only one thing soured this terrific experience; the sound was awful at the performance I attended, with Arthur’s radio mike barely working at all, and the others sounding fuzzy. It’s difficult to balance that amount of radio mikes at any time, but it’s essential for a show like this. Nevertheless, nothing could dampen this experience and, although it really isn’t suitable for children, take them anyway. They will love it.

Coral Drouyn

Images: Top - Lady of the Lake (Lisa Nightingale), King Arthur (Sam Marzden) and Patsy (Nick Rouse), and lower, from left: Sir Bevedere (Darryl Stevenson), King Arthur (Sam Marzden), Sir Galahad (Ben Moody) and Sir Lancelot (Matt Bearup). Photography: Trevor Lowther.

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Earlier coverage of Spamalot

Community Theatre Seasons 2015.

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