Review: Monty Python’s Spamalot

It is what one would call with confidence 'a fun night out' in every respect. Sometimes it is good enough just to have a laugh and Eric Idle's lyrics are  as funny now as they were then. The audience loved it and the cast obviously had a blast, pouring energy into everything to the very last minute.

There is a plot, of sorts, typically Monty Python-ish, loads of songs and tongue in cheek numbers, spoofs, shameless take-offs and the utterly ridiculous nonsense that made Monty Python fans of so many of us. The great feeling throughout was that the cast 'got it'. They got the humour and played it accordingly and Valda Peacock has boldly staged the extreme silliness with technical panache, just like we remember.

Kerry Unsworth, as Lady of the Lake, lovely as ever, seasoned her character with mischief, embraced a huge range of songs and sparkled right to the end and Jeff Foley, steadfast and knightly as Arthur, played it straight, so the partnership was  beautifully balanced.

Chris Atkinson gave a terrific performance as his hapless character, Patsy, underplaying the obvious and getting it just right, as did Mike Sheely as Sir Belvedere, whose comedic grasp of Python humour was a treat.

Mike Webster, as Sir Lancelot,  showed his talent at multiple role playing and was hardly recognizable as his other characters, especially his superb French Taunter. Ross Corbett was also a man of many parts and good at them all, with and without the wig, and Gerard Cook played a confident and classic Sir Robin, among others.

Rick Behague was hilarious in his roles, controlling the farce and relying on the script for laughs. In fact the whole cast had us in fits because they understood what it was that makes this random sense of the ridiculous so helplessly funny and they played it as it was meant to be. The result is a success on many levels.

Excellent costumes, imaginative props and great singing from everyone, even though the songs were all slightly mad, they had to be sung well to carry it off and they were. Creative ideas in dance routines, which in themselves were sometimes funny, slick changes and stunts, all came together in a polished, bubbly, brilliant piece of nonsense that made an irresistible show.

The live band, whose  range of sound was extensive, were fantastic especially where timing was so important with sound effects being bang on cue.

The chorus was bright and cheerful and their routines were well rehearsed and enjoyable and they used the spaces creatively.

This is great fun, stirring memories of a time when we began to look at ourselves and laugh at silly things and where we were more inclined to look on the bright side of life. Highly recommended participation.

Monty Python's Spamalot. directed by Valda Peacock

Tabard Restaurant Theatre 19 April - 5 May