‘Do Not Fail, Find Your Grail…’ Spamalot, Orchard Theatre, Dartford. 24.04.2018

Tonight I was back in Dartford to attend this weeks press night for opening night of the current tour production of Monty Python’s Spamalot. Having seen the show 3 times during its run at the Playhouse Theatre, London, I was so excited to return to Camelot and see what this rendition had in store!

Spamalot is the creation of Monty Python member Eric Idle, who not only wrote the book but accompanied John Du Prez in creating the music as well! It focuses on the story line from that of Monty Python’s Classic film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, we follow King Arthur King of the Britain’s, along with his Knights on the Round Table – and Patsy, seek the Holy Cup. It is a great upbeat musical that all the die hard fans of the classic comedy group will love, but also open the eyes of those who have yet to witness the classic Monty Python British comic ways!

What intrigued me the most about this current tour is, it went away from the classic A Celeb Casting. Many of the West End productions and past tours have always had either the Lady of Lake, or King Arthur performed by a well known name,which is clearly explained why during ‘You Won’t Succeed in Showbiz’ number. Sir Robin sings, that to succeed in a musical you have to have a star, this tour however allows stars of the theatre to show their amazing abilities and in doing so held a strong performance throughout. Proving that not always do you need a star to put bums in seats – but the name alone can assist with that. Its amazing how many times you can see this show and laugh again and again – even when you know at times what is coming. Director Daniel Buckroyd, ensures that the Monty Python legendary comic moments are clearly displayed to the best of their ability, which was proven correct by the reactions of the audience. However, I was a little disappointed that again ‘You Won’t Succeed in Showbiz’ fell a little flat. In the past it was full of energy with many familiar faces appearing throughout the fast paced song helping some understand what Sir Robin is singing, but this version you only had 2 appear. That’s not to say Stephen Arden, didn’t perform it excellently showing the brilliant choreography of Ashley Nottingham, it just need that little extra to present it as a real show stopper. That being said, I liked that they had changed some of the song lyrics to help reflect todays celebrity world – with this musical you never see the same show twice!

Tonights Knights and cast were:

King Arthur – Bob Harms

Lady of the Lake – Sarah Harlington

Patsy – Rhys Owen

Sir Lancelot – Johnathan Tweedle

Sir Galahad – Norton James

Sir Robin – Stephen Arden

Sir Bedevere- Marc Akinfolarin

Prince Herbert – Matthew Pennington

Ensemble – Shane Mcdaid, Grace Eccle, Gleanne Purcell Brown

Bob Harms excels in the role of King Arthur, providing quick wit and perfect comic timing throughout the musical. At times to me he resembled that of John Cleese – a founder member of Monty Python, clearly showing he had done his homework to help him create his role. He was great to watch and see what he would come up with next, along with his brilliant reactions and ab lib responses. His partner in crime was Rhys Owen in the role of Patsy, who not only knows how to work the coconuts, but works the stage also! His relationship with King Arthur was a great comedy duo, you could see at times they would try to catch each other out in some way or form. Rhys rendition of ‘Always Look on the Brightside of Life’ was a personal highlight and he did it brilliantly!

Sarah Harlington takes on the role of the Lady of The Lake and her vocals are stunning, throughout she oozes charm and expression, which is clearly displayed in her number ‘Whatever Happened To My Part’. Being the only female lead of a male led cast can be difficult but Sarah proves that she has the talent and comedy, to not get lost in the background.

All the Knights had their own style about them, but all assisting in ensuring each witty joke and classic British sarcasm was greatly portrayed in the many roles they all took on. Johnathan Tweedle as Sir Lancelot showed great comedy acting, especially when he stepped away to perform as Tim. It takes the right kind of actor to pull of the Monty Python classic and all of the cast passed with flying colours.

Spamalot is an show that is cheeky, chaotic and pure crazy but being so well crafted you cant help but love it. The outrageous characters, impressive comedy and hilarious musical numbers create two hours of great entertainment – it’s a show that will make every musical theatre lovers and Monty Python fan giggle without fail!

 Spamalot performs at the Orchard Theatre until Saturday 28th April, for all ticket information go here. It will then continue on its UK Tour, for all dates go here.