***
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Until Sat 1 July
The quality of performances in Everyman Theatre’s new production of Spamalot are mixed, and while moments of physical comedy are performed with efficiency and talent, many of the jokes lack the sense of rhythm and pace needed to truly land. The sheer physical and oral exuberance of many of the performances comes across as trying too hard, creating a lack of organic interaction between the cast members. This proves to be a problem when the show’s only outlets of comedy are then film scene recreations and the basic Broadway satire of the song lyrics. The more restrained approach present in the performances of Arthur (Brian Smith) and Sir Robin (Dan Collier-Roberts), in particular Smith’s minimal movements and unimpressed attitude, provided a much-needed sobriety to the frivolities onstage.
Comedy in previous Everyman productions has truly shined when actors have had the time and space to create slight improvisation and have fun in the moment of their performances (most notably in their productions of Blackadder). That feels somewhat lost here amidst the constant slew of songs and chorus members, and I hope that the relaxed, ‘anything can happen’ approach of Everyman Theatre is more present in future performances.
The singing and dancing side of the production is well handled, with Laura Phillips as the Lady of the Lake really belting it out. The choreography is fun, light and energetic but becomes repetitive as the show progresses, falling into a routine. The DIY aesthetic of the props leads to some nice sight gags, the Black Knight and Killer Rabbit scenes possessing a madcap self-awareness in their execution. The castle on the stage feels underutilised regarding the comedy and physicality of the piece, functioning mostly for entrances and levels. In act two, as the open-air theatre is plunged into night, the use of lighting onstage is basic but colourful. A whole song is converted to be about Cardiff, and while some of the humour of this section proves rather forced (chorus members wearing celebrity masks walking on and off stage), some specific local jokes and a spot of audience interaction prove entertaining. Flawed but warm and jolly.
words EDWARD LEE