Friday 23 June 2017

Spamalot - Everyman Production at Cardiff Open Air Theatre 2017, Sophia Gardens - A Review

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Spamalot - Everyman Production at Cardiff Open Air Theatre 2017, Sophia Gardens - A Review

We were delighted to be invited* to review Everyman Theatre productions at Cardiff Open Air Festival in Sophia Gardens. Our first open air theatre was last year when we saw  'Allo 'Allo, which we loved so we chose two more comedy productions to review this year. Spamalot and The Vicar of Dibley.

The festival opened last night with Spamalot. I have never seen such silliness before. We laughed from the very first moment to the inevitable grande finale. It was rude, crude, silly and hilariously funny.


Richard Tunley's production is based on the Monty Python film Monty Python and The Holy Grail. It would be fair to say that if you found the film funny you will absolutely love this. I wasn't too sure about it being a musical production, (I didn't even mention that to Mr P before I took him along), but my doubts were soon lifted and he loved it too.

The story line is simple. King Arthur has to find the Holy Grail. Firstly he has to recruit knights to his very round table and overcome challenges on his crusade. The challenges include the Knights of Ni, the French and a killer rabbit.

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Paul Williams as Patsy and Brian Smith as King Arthur

There were standout performances throughout, but my favourites included Lewis Cook (Sir Galahad also as the Black Knight and Herbert's Father); Paul Williams as Patsy (King Arthurs horse); Laura Phillips (Lady of the Lake) the Diva of all Divas. She tried to steal the show and did it so brazenly; Brian Smith as King Arthur, the lethargy in his gallop (you have to see it to appreciate it) amused Mr P immensely.

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Lady Of The Lake - Laura Phillips totally stole the show

There was everything you would expect including the hilarious scene of the Black Knight fighting to the end, minus all limbs. There were chorus lines, love songs and much energetic dancing. In fact the action, and laughs, never stopped. I am trying not to include too many spoilers but one where King Arthur sings that he is alone in his quest, whilst the cast are behind him putting him to rights, still has me giggling when I think of it.

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King Arthur doing it alone

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The Knights of the Very Round Table: Sir Not-Appearing; Sir Robin; Sir Lancelot; Sir Galahad; Sir Bedevere; King Arthur

Outrageously funny and refreshingly un-PC

Sophia Gardens is just a stones throw from Cardiff Castle and the city centre. There are numerous place to have a drink and pre-show food. If you prefer to have food and drink at the venue, The Grazing shed is at this years Open Air Festival serving burger from 6.30pm. Even the tables are decorated on the theme.


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Spam anyone? Best have a burger instead


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The Grazing Shed serve burgers from 6.30pm

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Cardiff's Open Air Festival is set in the glorious Sophia Gardens, just a stones throw from the castle and the city centre. 

When is it happening and How do I get tickets?

The festival runs from June 22 to July 29 at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, CF11 9XR.
Spamalot (June 22 to July 1)
The Vicar of Dibley (July 6 to 15)
Macbeth (July 20 to 29)
Aladdin (July 22 to 29)
Twelfth Night; the youth theatre's production (July 23)

Tickets are now on sale at cardiffopenairtheatrefestival.co.uk or box office 0333 666 3366.

Book & Lyrics by Eric Idle. Music by John Du Prez & Eric Idle. From the original screenplay of Monty Python And The Holy Grail.

*We received complimentary tickets for the purpose of a review. All opinions are honest and my own.

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2 comments

  1. I've never been. Will have to go, sounds like a quirky night out. Aladdin is my fave disney film so perhaps I should see that. I'm also a huge fan of the grazing shed x

    ReplyDelete
  2. This sounds interesting, will definitely have to look into it. Chloe x

    ReplyDelete

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