Spamalot - Schools Edition

Platinum Entertainment and Perth Youth Theatre present the Schools Edition of Spamalot, in a rollicking celebration of a show. Spamalot purists will not be disappointed as this version leaves the plot intact and the 13-17 year old cast perform with joy and vigour.

Luke McIntosh brings beautiful projection and a believable forthrightness to King Arthur as he leads a cast of over thirty young people. He is nicely paired with Hayleigh French-Bluhm as the Lady of the Lake, looking stunning and bringing lovely attitude. Jacob Miles as Arthur’s servant Patsy is a delight, with lovely comic timing and some very notable singing.

The Knights of the Round Table are having a great time, with Connor French-Bluhm making a lovely transformation from Dennis to Sir Galahad, Olivia Sartori a very likeable Robin, Julian Hawson revelling in the many facets of Lancelot and Shay Dowley lovely support as Bedevere.

All of the supporting roles were played with dedication and thoughtful characterisation. I particularly enjoyed Katharina Brieden’s energetic and desperate Not Dead Fred, Alyssa Whalan’s sassy God, Sam Beeton’s meticulously accented French Taunter, Ben Curren’s nicely ironic Black Knight and Jordan Radalj’s lovely Prince Herbert

While vocally this show doesn’t always hit the mark, with voices that are very much still in development, this show remains a pleasure to watch, with these funny and clever young people delivering gags with panache and creating convincing characters. Andrea Lim has choreographed thoughtfully to show a range of abilities to their best advantage.

Production values are high, with lovely costuming and properties by Leah Andrews and Katrina Patient. Deb O’Halloran has designed a simple but effective set, and much atmosphere is created by audiovisuals by Katrina Patient. Lighting (Trevor Patient) is surprisingly complex for a short rehearsal in the venue and sound balanced well by Ron Keshet.

Spamalot is a feel-good show at any time, but in the hands of these young, highly enthusiastic performers it is a particularly joyous experience.

Kimberley Shaw.