Python humour and local talent a winning combination

The cast of Spamalot, Levein Little Theatre's hilarious new production. WGP 03May17 - The cast of Spamalot, Levin Little Theatre's hilarious new production.

Reviewed by Sadie Beckman.

Levin Little Theatre might just have found their Holy Grail.

The irreverent, irresistible and utterly silly humour of Monty Python is delivered with enthusiasm in Spamalot - the latest production by a small theatre company that seems to punch above its weight.

Spamalot is a musical comedy adapted from the 1975 film Monty Python And The Holy Grail, a socially provocative parody of the legend of King Arthur. Original Python member Eric Idle penned the musical adaptation, which is true enough to the film to please the most die-hard Monty Python fan, yet differs enough to make the show appealing to those who might yet know nothing of The Knights Who Say "Ni", the ferocity of a French taunting or where you can locate a shrubbery at short notice.

Filled with just the right balance of musical numbers and dialogue, Spamalot looks like a joy to perform, if the vibrancy of the actors in this version are anything to go by.
In the original film, the late, great Graham Chapman was a fantastic 'straight man' in his role as King Arthur. In this version, Richard Hyland also carries this off well, contrasting with more flamboyant characters, including Aaron Comyn's Sir Galahad, Mark Peni as Sir Robin, Colin Finlayson's in-the-closet Sir Galahad and an enthusiastic Chontelle Van Hagen as Sir Bedevere.

Katherine Goodwin's stunning vocals mean she owns her role as Lady of the Lake, appearing in a plethora of diva dresses, an attitude to match and the ability to make a small auditorium feel much larger with her mighty, almost operatic voice.

A host of colourful characters make appearances, with some particular stand-outs to those of us who know the film well and could see the attention to detail in comedy timing, accents and inflections that enhance the Python sense of humour.

Particular mention is deserved by Chris Chapman, whose excellent scenes as the French taunter, and the main Knight of Ni were some of the acting highlights of the production.

A strong supporting cast rounded out the production and coupled with the clever musical score (a pre-recorded version with live vocals over the top) that takes the mickey out of most other well-known musicals, includes satirical references to modern celebrity culture and even manages to squeeze in a lively version of Idle's famous hit Always Look on the Bright Side of Life - Spamalot was certainly an entertaining experience.

The costumes and sets were great - evocative of pantomime, but that's where Monty Python's roots lie anyway, the 'Oxbridge' version that is.

This is probably why Spamalot works well as a stage show - Python humour has always been centred around live performance and sketches, so if you take Idle's witty pen and excellent musical ear, and apply it to an enthusiastic bunch like Levin's Little Theatre, you're bound to end up with a winning combination.

Spamalot - Levin Little Theatre, 75 Weraroa Rd, Levin: Friday 5 May and Saturday 6 May 8pm and Sunday 7 May, Matinee 2pm. Also Friday 12 May and Saturday 13 May 8pm. $25 for show only, or $50 including three-course pre-show dinner Friday and Saturday evening at 6pm (show at 8pm). Tickets from Beacon Gift and Bookshop, 198 Oxford St, Levin or by calling 06 368 2123.