Theatre Review | Spamalot

Spamalot

Book and Lyrics by Eric Idle

Music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle

Producers Drew Anthony Creative

Director Drew Anthony

Choreographers Suzi & Jamie Rolton

Reviewed by Ron Lee, CSP

Drew Anthony’s production of Eric Idle’s musical, Spamalot, which is based on Monty Python and the Holy Grail, has opened in Sydney. All of the expected elements and characters are in it. There’s King Arthur, The Black Knight, the killer white rabbit, the Knights who say “Ni!” The Lady of the Lake, the French guard in the turret, and the Knights of the Round Table. We learn that Sir Galahad’s first name is Dennis.

The Lady of the Lake is a stage diva stunningly played Marney McQueen whose singing ability is indicated by the fact that she played the Celine Dion role in Titanique.

It’s a strong cast and ensemble that includes Jamie Rolton as the servant, Patsy, Jesse Vasiliadis as Sir Lancelot, Noah Scape as Sir Bedevere, Ethan Jones as Sir Galahad and Gareth Isaac, who is the stand-out, as Sir Robin.

Stephen Curry of The Castle fame, is King Arthur, and shows that he’s not only an actor, but a talented triple threat. Somehow, other actors managed to slip in the lines, “My name’s Dale Kerrigan and this is my story” and, “I dug a hole”. Gotta love it when two titans of popular culture collide. 

There are 23 musical numbers that include The Fisch Schlapping Song, He Is Not Dead Yet and Find Your Grail, which could also be a life philosophy. Always Look on the Bright Side of Life is performed to a tap routine and, without any prompting, has the audience singing along. The often rollicking choreography keeps the pace going.

On opening night there was some nervous, stifled laughter and a couple of gasps during the song, You Won’t Succeed on Broadway which includes the lyrics, “So listen, Arthur darling, closely to this news: we won’t succeed on Broadway if you don’t have any Jews”, which was performed by Gareth Isaac. That perspective was famously asserted by Marlon Brando to apply to Hollywood and later by Mel Gibson.

The large screen is well utilised when Eric Idle makes an appearance as God. I was wondering how they were going to execute Arthur’s sword fight with the Black Knight and it works well with the actor fighting a screen image. “It’s just a flesh wound.”

Producer/Director Drew Anthony is a high achieving workaholic, which possibly began before he won the World Tap Championship in 1984. Anthony recently took his production of The Diary of Anne Frank to three cities. Past accomplishments aside, it’s pleasing know that in these times of economic, social and geopolitical instability and uncertainty, an Australian impresario is driving his passion to entertain audiences. 

Apart from anything else, if you go to see Spamalot, you’ll have a fun time at the theatre, especially if you’re a Monty Python fan and there’s an added benefit if you’ve seen and love The Castle.