SPAMALOT. To 3 January 2009.

London.

SPAMALOT
by Eric Idle music and lyrics by Eric Idle and John Du Prez.

Palace Theatre To 3 January 2009.
Mon to Sat 8pm MatTue and Sat 3pm.
Runs 2hr 5min One interval.

TICKETS: 0870 890 0142.
Review: Geoff Ambler 19 October.

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This was a much lauded and eagerly awaited opening in London’s landmark Palace Theatre. Following its award-accumulating Broadway run, big things were expected for this Monty Python show, opening in the country of its birth, where successive generations grew up with the comedic geniuses who spawned a new entertainment genre.

The programme declares Spamalot to be “a new musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture the Holy Grail” and they are not wrong. I know the film a little too well and the pantomimic reinterpretation of the familiar scenes only works well when either the theatrical novelties take precedence or the fine supporting cast allow their talent to rise above the too-well-known script.

Again most of the tunes are familiar and “Always look on the bright side of life” transfers over from that other Python cult epic “The Life of Brian”. Its arrival was so obvious that the audience joined in, almost on cue.

Only when it is at its maddest does the comedy thrill; the Fisch Schapping Song at the beginning and the Vegas style Camelot number are so completely over the top that they can’t fail to delight a musical audience.

Tim Curry's laid back King Arthur is a little too relaxed and at times lacks life; he is frequently overshadowed by his horse Patsy, played by David Birrell with coconut shells. Hannah Waddingham's role has been levered in to include a lead female and while we don’t get to hear the full beauty of her natural singing voice she gives an impressive performance in a part which essentially lampoons the roles that she usually plays in musicals.

I was a little underwhelmed following the hype that preceded the opening and as a musical comedy it only works when the energy, passion and talent of the cast overcame the script's deficiencies. Still, it is almost the time of the year for pantomime and there was more than enough utter madness to keep me smiling.

King Arthur: Tim Curry.
Sir Dennis Galahad: Christopher Sieber.
The Lady of the Lake: Hannah Waddingham.
Patsy: David Birrell.
Sir Lancelot: Tom Goodman-Hill.
Sir Robin: Robert Hands.
Historian: Darren Southworth.
Ensemble: Krystal Archer, Ben Clare (Dance Captain, Fight Captain), Brendan Cull, Ross Dawes, Stuart Dames, Rachel Dempsey, Mark Evans, Amy Field, Rebecca Giacopazzi (Assistant Dance Captain), Emma Green, Selina Hamilton, Amber Neale, Amy Ellen Richardson, Andrew Spillett, Gavin Staplehurst, Sebastian Sykes, Luzahnn Taylor, Nathan Taylor.

Director: Mike Nichols.
Designer/Costume: Tim Hatley.
Lighting: Hugh Vanstone.
Musical Director: Michael England.
Choreographer: Casey Nicholaw.

2006-10-22 11:51:29