Camelot in Wimbledon this summer? Arthur will be running at the Polka Theatre until 9 August.
Arthur is a new play written by Marietta Kirkbride and directed by Nel Crouch. It is a Polka Theatre and The Egg, Theatre Royal Bath co-production. Arthur is a reimagined version of the legend of King Arthur, featuring the familiar elements audiences might expect. However, violence has been toned down to suit its young audience and, when necessary, it is handled in a comedic way. Overall, the show tells a fun story and leaves a positive message about friendship, loyalty, and fraternal bonds.
The script and the performances were engaging and entertaining. Rose Wardlaw (Merlin) and Gurjot Dhaliwal (Grace) were particularly convincing, while Megan Vaughan-Thomas (Gawain) and Adam Mirsky (Lancelot) elevated the show with their talent for physical comedy. A highlight from the play was the scene in the lake, where the underwater choreography was seamlessly executed by Dhaliwal and Giles Carden (Arthur). Kudos for this as well to DK Fashola, the movement director.
Despite being advertised as a play, Arthur also features a few original songs. Some of these were catchy and visibly delighted the audience. A song from the lake sequence particularly comes to mind. This song was brilliant at setting the scene for what was to come, in an unexpectedly haunting way. The voices of the two performers during that scene blended well and conveyed an aura of danger and mystery.
Arthur is aimed at a younger audience (6-12 years), but it has features that can be enjoyed by the whole family. For instance, there was a slightly political joke that is likely to make adults smile. Please take your children to see this production if you can, you may enjoy it as well! Try to secure a seat in the front row or adjacent to the aisles in the first three rows or so for a more interactive experience. Arthur will continue running at the Polka Theatre until 9 August.
Complimentary tickets were provided to attend this show. We wish Arthur a fantastic run!
Gonzalo
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