Spamalot (UK Touring)

Never thought I’d ever have to consider the impact of ‘star names’ and their inclusion in the cast of professional musical theatre but, it appears that may have to be a consideration based on the poor attendance at the Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre for the current Spamalot tour.

It’s true there isn’t a household name in the programme but, there is a team of dedicated and talented actors who do more than justice to the screwball comedy antics of this production, written by Eric Idle and based on the comedy classic movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Bob Harms displays innate wit and charm as King Arthur, his ability to respond comically in any situation is second to none which allows him and Rhys Owen as Patsy to build a tightly knit on stage relationship.

Johnathan Tweedie is intensely amusing as the rough, tough (yet ultimately nothing of the sort) Sir Lancelot amongst many other parts, I particularly enjoyed his portrayal of the enchanter Tim and his animated description of the ferocious rabbit.

With a skillfully honed voice, Sarah Harlington brings much to the role of Lady of the Lake and has every right to ask 'whatever happened to my part' as the stage explodes with musicality when she is present.

Norton James (Sir Galahad), Stephen Arden (Sir Robin) and Marc Akinfolarin (Sir Bedevere) all provide excellent value in their parts as do the supporting cast, paying due homage to the ideals of Monty Python.

I feel for the whole team, including Daniel Buckroyd (Director), Dean McDermott (Musical Director) and Ashley Nottingham (Choreographer) who quite obviously have dedicated considerable time in bringing this show to the public and sincerely hope the audience figures improve over time.

In the (slightly revised) words of one of the songs, you ought to be able to succeed in showbiz even if you don't have any stars and the tour continues until 7th April 2018 !

Book Here

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Musical Fable of Stourbridge

The name is Brannigan, Lieutenant Brannigan to you, 14th Precinct New York, I was on a stake-out at a place they call the Town Hall, I've heard of City Hall but, this was something different, joints within a joint, just a front for illegal activity in my book. Infiltrated myself into their seedy back room haunt, it was men only and obviously gambling makes you forgetful, if it wasn't their shoes, it was their shirt, one couldn't even remember my name but, that works in my favour while I am gathering evidence. What a bunch of low lives, hiding behind a Mission (I kept hearing 'Sally Army', I think the Brits have invaded but, its a bit early for The Beatles) fronted-up by 'The Sergeant' Sarah Brown, she's a looker with a voice that could shatter crystal but, I knew she had a weak point, trip to Havana, couple of Bacardi's and she forgets which side of the law she is on, some broads are an easy target. Then there's the old guy, Abernathy, always sin...
Read more

Sweet Charity (Queensbridge Musical Theatre Society)

Considering the major names like Cy Coleman, Bob Fosse and Neil Simon that are all connected to the various incarnations of the story of the 'girl who just wanted to be loved' its popularity for performance hasn't been widespread recently, perhaps due to the fact that the performances of Shirley MacLaine and Sammy Davis Jr in the 1969 Movie are so iconic but, Queensbridge MTS have decided to pick up the gauntlet and bring what is a very 60s vibe into the 2000s. What makes this production a hit from beginning is an effervescent performance by Sarah Odom as Charity Hope Valentine, giving Miss MacLaine a run for her money and with an engaging personality that just exudes 'likeable' and has the audience on her side from the first note played by Stephen Greenway's orchestra. Equally 'likeable' but, in a more reserved and endearing way is Sam Troke as Oscar Lindquist, he who coins the phrase 'Sweet Charity' and almost makes her dreams come true, on...
Read more

Cats (Vic's School of Musical Theatre)

Well I have seen a few musical productions in my time and have been inspired to write some elaborate and auspicious words by many but, I am a little concerned that I might not have all the right observations to do justice to what can only be described as a truly breathtaking production of 'Cats' by Vic's School of Musical Theatre (the Vic in question being Vicky Addis, somebody who whilst being blessed with some talented youngsters to theatrically mould, obviously knows how to turn potential into reality on stage). Just to fill the gap if you haven't had the 'Cats' experience yet, basically poems by T.S. Eliot set to music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, a theatre filler since the 1980s and will undoubtedly fill the Parish Rooms at Blakedown in this case, for its sadly all too short run. So, where do I start with a plethora of engaging and characterful performances, perhaps with the captivating portrayal of Mungojerrie and Rumpleteaser by Kate Downes and Molly Cooper, a...
Read more