(Steven Stead as King Arthur. Pic by Val
Adamson)
Outstanding
performance from Steven Stead as King Arthur in KickstArt’s “Camelot” running
at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre. Glorious costumes, superb lighting and
excellent performances all round. (Review by Caroline Smart)
An outstanding
performance from Steven Stead as King Arthur in KickstArt’s Camelot which opened last night at the
Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre makes this a “must see”. This is a role Stead has
longed to do for many years and it is a glorious victory for him in that he’s finally
been able to do it and he does it superbly. He moves from an impetuous,
energetic young man to a monarch of dignity and principle who advocates right
over might, eventually becoming the victim of his own rule.
The
multi-award winning Camelot has had
major success all over the world since it was first staged in 1960, starring Julie
Andrews and Richard Burton. It ran on Broadway (for 873 performances) and later
on the West End. The film version featured Richard Harris as Arthur, Vanessa
Redgrave as Guinevere, Franco Nero as Lancelot and David Hemmings as Mordred.
For
those unfamiliar with the story, which is adapted from T H White’s novel, The Once and Future King, it tells of
the legendary fifth century British leader, King Arthur. As a young boy, he was
sent to collect a sword. However, seeing one stuck in a rock in a public place
with no apparent owner, he thinks he can save himself the trouble of a journey
and “borrow” it. However, this is no ordinary sword. It’s called Excalibur and it
bears the inscription that whoever is able to pull it out of the stone is a
rightful King.
After
three tries, Arthur pulls the sword out and the rest is history, as it were. Arthur goes on to rule the magical Kingdom of Camelot, create his
Knights of the Round Table and lead Medieval Britain’s defence against Saxon invaders.
In his
youth, Arthur is mentored and guided by the wizard Merlin, who gives him the
name of Wart. The story of Camelot
picks up on the day when Arthur’s future bride Guinevere – who he has never met
– makes her arrival in the kingdom. Their original meeting is highly amusing as
Arthur does not reveal his identity. He overcomes her initial determination not
to get married and so their lives together begin. All is well until a handsome
but self-righteous knight - Sir Lancelot du Lac – makes his appearance.
Jessica
Sole is a delightful Queen Guinevere, she’s spunky, flirtatious and
strong-minded but when love truly hits her, she handles this inner despair with
sensitivity. Lyle Buxton gives Sir Lancelot the required strength and passion
while Peter Court makes a droll Merlin before changing roles to the hilariously
dotty King Pellinor. Nathan Kruger is a viciously manipulative Mordred.
There
are excellent performances from the rest of the cast but a special mention is
due to Jake Savage as young Tom of Warwick.
The
production is splendidly designed by Greg King. Tina le Roux’s lighting design
is superb and Terrence Bray’s costumes are resplendent. Congratulations to
associate director Mervyn McMurtry, musical director Shelley McLean and
choreographer Janine Bennewith.
The
songs are all beautifully handled but Stead’s How to Handle a Woman was the highlight for me. The musical
recording provided by The MT Pit L.L.C. does pure justice to Lerner and Loewe’s
music, presenting a sweeping luxurious orchestral score.
Camelot runs at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre until
June 3, 2018. Tickets R255 / R215 / R185. (NB: No concession discounts). (Not
suitable for children under eight years old) Booking is through Computicket on 0861
915 8000 or online at www.computicket.com
For
schools’ performances, charity fundraisers or block bookings of 50 or more, contact
KickstArt Theatre via email: kickstart@letni.co.za
– Caroline Smart
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