Spamalot

[bellinghman]

We went to the Phill Jupitus-led production of Spamalot at the Corn Exchange last night. uitlander had secured us tickets J16-18, which meant pretty much in the middle of the second row, a point close enough to the stage that we could easily make out the badges the performers were wearing as their coats of arms (Jupitus was wearing the arms of Cambridge University, perhaps as a tribute to the venue).

A great show, based on the Monty Python and the Holy Grail story, but with certain meta aspects addressing the form of the musical itself, including the point where King Arthur has to stage a musical, and has to find a star to perform in it or it won't work. This does, of course, reflect the way that Jupitus is a known name in an otherwise pretty well unknown ensemble cast.

The first half was good, but I think it got even better for the second half. It was relatively short, finishing about two hours after it started (and there's a half hour for the interval), but the density of the comedy made it feel longer.

Overall, well recommended, even to those like me who would normally steer well clear of musicals.

Comments

[uitlander]

I have to admit this was the first musical I have enjoyed. It helps when you know the words to sing along, and quite a lot of the accompanying script.

Most, but not all, of the knights were wearing coats of arms of the colleges. The round table was also decorated with various college crests. I also liked the TV aerial on top of one of the castle spires.

*continues to sing knights of the round table*

[lagilman]

I got to see Spamalot when it was in previews on Broadway and almost hurt myself laughing. Especially when they got to "You Can't Succeed..." 3 of my 4 companions (Gentiles all) started to laugh, then looked over to make sure that I and the 4th companion, both Jewish, were laughing.

We were not laughing. We were having hysterics.

I also adored "This is the Song That..." Because, yes. Even if you like Sondheim, you understand.

[j-lj.livejournal.com]

We saw this in the West End a few years ago and to be honest I was not impressed. All the jokes were just recycled from Monty Python and the Holy Grail and the whole story could have been done and dusted in one act.

The acting was so, so bad. It was more like going to a panto than a West End musical.

After recently seeing Wicked and The Lord of the Rings, Spamalot was just a waste of time and money especially when they were trying to sell Spamalot Spam for £5 a tin.

May be after five years this touring production has learned from the mistakes made in the West End and Broadway shows.

[sphyg.livejournal.com]

I wanted to see this but picked the wrong week to go holiday ;/