Hello, to all Brixham Theatre lovers and supporters! Last night, on October 25, 2023, I had the privilege of witnessing a truly enchanting spectacle at Brixham Theatre, brought to life by the talented performers of Brixham Operatic and Dramatic Society (B.O.A.D.S). As the Writer-in-Residence for our beloved local theatre, this is my first piece of writing for them, and I couldn’t have been happier to attend this production. The show in question? None other than “Spamalot.”
For those who, like me, grew up with Monty Python’s irreverent humour, you’ll recognise that “Spamalot” is a “lovingly ripped off version” of the classic “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” In this production by B.O.A.D.S, the charm and reverence with which they perform it are truly commendable. I won’t spoil the plot for those who don’t know, but I can assure you it’s filled with side-splitting wordplay, some nostalgia-driven comedy and some more ‘tongue-in-cheek’ moments. All through this enjoyable reimagining of the legendary quest for the Holy Grail.
What truly stole the show was the cast. Every member shone at various points in the production. The charm they exuded was infectious. It’s a rare treat to witness a community theatre production where everyone, from the knights of the Round Table to the Lady of the Lake, to all of the ensemble, to Dennis (or Neil), leaves you with a lasting impression.
I’d like to give a special shout-out to the Lady of the Lake – not only were her vocals incredible but she also sported a breath-taking array of dresses and costumes, as the lighting gods wove their magic, making her sparkle like a true enchantress on the stage!
The heart of Brixham Theatre beats with the spirit of our community, and “Spamalot” showcased this beautifully. With the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the theatre and all its volunteers, it was evident that everyone, both on and off the stage, poured their hearts into making this show a success. The audience were audibly enthusiastic throughout, cheering, laughing, and clapping, becoming a vital part of the evening’s fun.
The Brixham community’s support for “Spamalot” was heart-warming, and it reflected our town’s tradition of coming together to celebrate fun and entertainment. And speaking of community, look out for one placard that makes a surprise appearance towards the end of Act One – not so subtly raising awareness of local issues, serving as a testament to the power of the arts to not only entertain, but to provoke thought and discussion.
“Spamalot” portrayed a lot of fun and laughter in our very own “BrixHAMalot.” (My apologies, it seems I couldn’t resist contributing to the playful nature of the show!)
At the theatre we are always ready to celebrate our community and I can’t wait to see what Brixham’s next theatre adventure will bring.
If you want to catch the show, you can grab tickets from the box office at 01803 415987 or visit www.brixhamtheatre.uk. The show is running until Saturday, the 28th, so don’t wait too long to secure your seats!”
Bethan Rees
Writer-in-Residence
www.bethanrees.co.uk