Spamalot - WAOS, Oct 2016 - NODA review

This hilarious production was full on, with an enthusiastic cast who sang, danced and acted their socks off. From start to finish it just bounced along with so many scenes and characters it would be impossible to comment on it all. However, led by David Slater as King Arthur, who had a terrific impact throughout with some fabulous dialogue and songs, through to his four knights of the realm, it was a delight.

Sir Lancelot, Sir Robin, Sir Galahad and Sir Bedevere, not forgetting Patsy the King’s personal horse/confidante, all gave such good interpretations.

Sir Lancelot, played by Kris Tyler swashbuckled his way through a rather different Lancelot to the one we usually expect him to be; Sir Robin, played by Michael Mundell-Poole, complete with luxurious red wig and his eye on “Broadway”; Sir Galahad, played by Craig Tyler - rather a poser - but with a great sense of comedy; and Sir Bedevere with Phillip Spurgeon quite “posh” but very manly, all gave really polished performances.

Trevor Marks as the long suffering Patsy did very well in this role, totally on cue every time, and the horse galloping effect spot on. Well done Trevor.

Constance Lawton as the Lady of the Lake, the diva of the ladies, was superb, sang beautifully and made the most of some demanding singing. I liked Nik Graham as French Taunter No 1 and Knight of Ni, with a great interpretation of the quasi-French dialogue and really funny in both characters. Edward Groombridge as Prince Herbert/Mrs Galahad was a hoot in both parts. Edward has a good sense of timing and anticipation in every part I have seen him play; a real talent with a variety of characters all given thought and attention to. Super! So many other characters, totally absorbed in the show, made this such a super production. All the singing was very good and accompanied by a tuneful orchestra. Under the baton of Geoff Osborne it all came together very well, with some unexpected, fun sounds from the pit accompanying the chorus/solos in various songs. This was such a fun packed production I could have happily seen it again. With so much going on all the time on stage it certainly kept the audience’s attention.

Well done to Nikki, Geoff and Gemma for a thoroughly entertaining production.