Review: JADC take on ‘Spamalot’

Wednesday 19 July 2017

And now for something completely different… the Jersey Amateur Dramatic Club take on Monty Python in their new production of ‘Spamalot’ the musical.

The musical follows King Arthur and his band of underdog knights on their quest to find the Holy Grail, “lovingly ripped off” from the hugely successful ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’.

With the fast-paced wit of Monty Python writer, Eric Idle, combined with a full musical score and choreography, this show choice posed a challenge not to be sniffed at. 

However, it was refreshing to see the JADC shake things up a bit as they rose to the occasion and allowed their leading lights to truly shine. Ben Shaw's musical direction was a worthy tribute to the musical's Broadway origins, with the orchestra expertly scoring the production.

Pictured: The leading lights of the JADC 'Spamalot' production.

Sharon Campbell as the Lady of the Lake was a power house, hitting extraordinary high notes vocally and theatrically.

The comic duo of Greig McDonald as King Arthur and his loyal (if underappreciated) sidekick Patsy, played by Glyn Reynolds, won the audience over as they got everyone singing the Monty Python classic ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’. 

Harry Sutton’s charisma made his acting debut an impressive one as the sarcastic Sir Dennis Galahad.

Also worthy of mention was Leo Perestrelo’s performance as Prince Herbert, whose singing voice was so beautiful, it was a shame his role meant his solos were constantly interrupted!

Pictured: The cast of 'Spamalot' take to the streets to promote their take on the Monty Python musical. (JADC)

But the production’s leads were well supported by an energetic ensemble who, bedecked in dazzling costumes, brought an infectious enthusiasm which had the entire audience on its feet by the end of the show.

‘Spamalot’ is on every evening at 7:30pm until 22 July. Tickets are available from the Jersey Opera House box office online or over the phone on 01534 511115.