King Arthur – Theatre by the Lake

The best of British comedy and tales brings joy to Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake as Le Navel Bete rides into town with their hilarious performance of King Arthur.

The trio bring the untold story of how the legend of King Arthur and his Camelot was born with the very best of physical comedy.

The Lake District theatre audiences will be familiar with the work of writer and director John Nicholson who has teamed up with Le Navel Bete. Nicholson brought a very unique and comic production of Hound of the Baskervilles to Theatre by the Lake last year.

Those who love this style of silliness and insider perspective to a production will not be disappointed by King Arthur.

The opening scene sets the tone and high bar for the comedy to follow. The three actors are in the stocks for treason, and the musical routine that follows is catchy, funny and very memorable. No spoilers, but it’s not what you would expect.

Though a very physical comedy, this is no slapdash production. The skill, timing and use of modern references and music, with outrageously comical costumes make this a first-class show.

There is no lull in the pace of this production. You don’t have time to stop laughing from one joke to the next mishap in the tale of three men who, through drink, promise King Arthur they will put on ‘ArtherFest’ to make him a legend in his own lifetime (a difficult task when the King hasn’t done anything to make him a legend).

From playing farmer to king, sexy Guinevere to Merlin, the Lady of the Lake to numerous knights, and a travelling bard this trio of Nick Bunt, Al Dunn and Matt Freeman bring the whole of Camelot to life. There isn’t a moment where they aren’t onstage or making a quick change. There stamina is extraordinary – especially the scene with Merlin’s wife dancing on the roof!

The wonderful thing about this style of comedy on stage is you never know what is an adlib, an in-joke or something that wasn’t expected – which makes me want to go and see King Arthur again to check it out. When the audience gave an audible “Ah” and Dunn broke the fourth wall (one of many times) to say “This isn’t a pantomime you know” I don’t think he expected many in the audience to say “Oh yes it is!” It is these moments of live theatre that make is so special.

The audience was delighted to be taken along in the production, and I must say Freeman’s performance as Guinevere was a particular highlight of a production filled with them. His facial gestures to the other characters and members of the audience were spectacular.

If you love watching King Stupid and Horrible Histories King Arthur is a must for you (not that this is a factual history lesson!) And this is a production for all the family to enjoy on different levels.

This touring company and John Nicholson together are the crème-de-la-crème of physical comedy and any chance you get to see them take it.

King Arthur is at Theatre by the Lake until Saturday, 12th April, with evening and matinee performances before continuing its tour: