Spamalot Delights Critics and Cynics Alike
Having never seen any Monty Python (gasp) I was unsure what to expect from Spamalot. I was aware it was written by Eric Idle, who I was informed, was a member of the original Monty Python troupe and a "bit of a genius really". Having never coupled the words "genius" and "spam" in a sentence before I must admit I was slightly apprehensive as I drew near to the Palace Theatre.
This concern may have been caused by doubts about the show or perhaps due to the awful service I received in Pizza Hut two minutes previously. Having met what I suspect was both the rudest and the slowest waitress in the history of restaurants, I made my way across the road to the Palace theatre to join the queue. I genuinely believed that Monty Python in musical form may be outdated. Having seen Avenue Q a few months previously I had high expectations of comedy musical theatre, expectations I was almost certain a 30 year old concept could not live up to.
This is the part of the review where I freely and openly admit I was wrong, really really wrong. Spamalot is pure, unadulterated genius ladies and gentlemen. If you do one thing this weekend it should be to get up and treat yourself to a visit to London post haste to see this amazing show.
Now, I'm sure as you're reading this you're thinking I'm paid to be nice about such things. Technically that is true. However if you were to have the pleasure of coming to this office, you would soon realise I'm grumpy at times and perhaps slightly jaded, there is a good chance that Spamalot changed all that.
There is literally nothing I can say to fault Spamalot. The Palace Theatre is breathtaking, every surface is polished marble, glistening brass or baroque carving and chubby little cherubs. I had enough room in my seat, my personal space was not violated, the theatre was not too hot. I have literally nothing to moan about, at all.
The show itself was a work of genius, the sets were relatively simple but worked exceptionally well with Spamalot's whole madcap, silly theme. Given he joined the cast so recently it is only fair I first mention the performance of Sanjeev Bhaskar. As expected, given his comedic pedigree Bhaskar was entertaining. He slipped in one or two of his trademark gags, including a mention of "chuddies" and as the show progressed it became obvious he truly enjoyed being on stage. It must be said that Bhaskar is still settling into the role, however practice makes perfect and with eight shows a week to do, Bhaskar will be right at home in no time.
The shows choreographers and musicians have done a wonderful job of slipping cheeky little pop culture references into the show. During the hilarious I'm Not Dead Yet, the "corpses" who are, of course, not dead yet, act as chorus and backing dancers. Careful observers will spot dance moves from Michael Jackson's Thriller slipped into the routine so seamlessly I'm sure I only saw them because I was watching with this review in mind. When the Lady of the Lake appeared I'm certain I heard a snippet of music from Disney's The Little Mermaid, just the tiniest, barely noticeable section but it was there, and it made me laugh, hard.
While we are on the topic of the Lady of the Lake, what a set of lungs Nina Söderquist has. I was blown away by the range and power of her voice and how well she blends song with comedy. She was a truly magnetic presence on stage, her exceptional vocal talent (and some tantalisingly low cut costumes) drew all eyes to her whenever she appeared. The Diva's Lament was possibly her best performance, or maybe The Song That Goes Like This. I don't know it was all just so good. Please don't make me choose!
The audience seemed to recognise several parts of the show from the original Monty Python and the Holy Grail, even I recognised "Look On The Bright Side Of Life" and the killer rabbit. Incidentally the shows merchandise is superb, I am now the proud owner of a killer rabbit hand puppet, we will be touring the UK, slaying knights in the Autumn.
For me the real stars of the show were the preternaturally beautiful Nina Söderquist as the Lady of the Lake and Andrew Spillett as King Arthur's aide, Patsy. Spillett was hilarious, he left me truly wanting to see more of him on stage. His performance with Bhaskar in the song I'm All Alone was inspired, despite the fact they have only been working together for little over a week I sensed a real rapport developing between Bhaskar and Spillett and I look forward to this developing into a great comedy double-act.
Coupled with the talented actors were a selection of stunning dancers who covered an impressive range of dance styles, the burlesque elements were particularly well done. With just the right balance of slapstick and sexuality the girls deserve a show of their own.
With a superb cast, every single one of whom caused me to chuckle at least once, well designed costumes and sets, a hilarious plot and the funniest songs I have ever heard in my life Spamalot was one of the best knights out I have ever had.
Published by: Jonathan Dudley
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