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02 February 2012 10:47
REVIEW
Everybody gets to see how silly Spamalot is
Spamalot has come to Grimsby, and as well as a whole lot of laughs, it is giving the partially-sighted and blind the chance to 'see' so much more.
In a first for Grimsby Auditorium, audio-described performances have been taking place, this means those who cannot see the performance get the chance to put what they can hear into context with some help from audio description experts Vocaleyes.
The audio description takes place during the performance, but before curtains-up, members of the audience who are blind or partially-sighted can take a ‘touch tour’. This consists of being able to venture backstage for a guided tour of the stage, props and costumes. The staff at Vocaleyes offer rich descriptions of the set and paint vivid pictures to give the audience a more rounded picture of the situation. This involves props such as the bucket-like Knights of Ni helmet used in Spamalot being handed round as well as costumes and in this case, the stuffed cow that later falls on Todd Carty’s character Patsy on stage.
Standing on stage, Vocaleyes give a detailed view of the backdrops, which for this particular show, involve Arthurian backgrounds with modern elements, such as the Eurostar rattling past a medieval castle and flag-topped tents.
During the performance, those who wish to receive that extra element of description are issued with headphones, from which they can hear descriptions backing up what is happening onstage.
The performance itself should need no introduction, having toured the world already, Spamalot has won plaudits from critics and fans of Monty Python alike as well as three Tony Awards. Written by Eric Idle and John DuPrez, it ‘lovingly rips off’ Monty Python and the Holy Grail as well as sketches from the legendary comedy series. With the silliness turned up to 11 from the very start, kicking off with the ‘Fish Slap’ song, it’s a side-splitting comedic romp through a twisted version of Arthurian legend.
Taking in the tropes of Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table, it turns the legend on its head in a way that only Idle could. We have mentions of spam, insulting Frenchmen, shrubberies and even an appearance from the dogged and determined Black Knight as well as a whole range of songs. ‘Always Look On The Bright Side of Life’ gets an airing courtesy of initially at least, Todd Carty’s character Patsy, joined by the cast for a rousing version as the song progresses.
The songs are big and come thick and fast, highlights include the Broadway-lampooning ‘The Song That Goes Like This’ delivered with aplomb by the small but perfectly-formed Bonnie Langford, who gurns, goofs and pouts her way through her whole repertoire and is hilarious. Todd Carty is excellent as comic foil Patsy, following Steven Pacey’s pompous King Arthur around complete with coconut shells to imitate a horse.
Among other highlights include a flying cow and multiple references to the titular spam. With a cast of just 12 actors, the costume changes are incredibly fast and the amount of cross-dressing is such that it becomes normal and it is all a wonder to watch.
There’s plenty of adult-themed quips and setups throughout, but these will fly over most children’s heads, so it’s suitable for the whole family. Only around until Saturday, our advice is to catch it quick, you’ll be glad you did.
For tickets, call the Auditorium on 0844 871 3016 or visit the website.
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