SPAMALOT is an irreverent and amusing parody of the heroic tale of King Arthur and his knights, based on the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

It was performed by the Stokesley-based Youth Theatre Company, Crash, Bang Wallop, and directed by Dan Brookes, its founder.

King Arthur sets out on a quest to find the Holy Grail and the humour lies in the strange and often absurd characters he encounters along the way.

It is also a tongue-in-cheek version of a big showy musical, and the costumes, set and props were lavish, the dance numbers energetic and fun, and executed with style, thanks to the skills of the students and choreographer, Emma Greenhalgh.

Expert musicians were directed with flair by Jeremy Harbottle, and the company of children, some as young as seven, pulled off the silly Python humour with confidence, understanding and a sophisticated awareness of comic timing.

Each scene was a gem, and the imagination and attention to detail for comic effect showed in scenes such as the encounter with the French guard, played brilliantly by Harry Gates.

The castle from which he traded insults, contained all things stereotypically French such as a mime artist, Marie Antoinette eating cake, a very small deadly rabbit and a snail who continued to crawl along the stage throughout the action.

This was a tight ensemble piece, but with very strong leads. Special mention goes to Georgia Williams, who, as well as having a beautiful singing voice, performed her role as the Lady of the Lake, with humour and style, which made her seem much older than her 13 years.

Patsy, King Arthur’s faithful servant, gave a charismatic performance, her facial expressions being a show all on their own.

Crash Bang Wallop takes on all comers, and the obvious enjoyment and confidence of the cast is plain to see. Full credit to its creator and director, Dan Brookes.

Jan Hunter