Camelot crew sing the right tune

4:26pm Tuesday 1st April 2008

Review - Camelot, The Garrick, 4 out of 5 IF heaven has a soundtrack, it would probably sound something like a Lerner and Loewe score.

They certainly knew how to knock out a decent tune or two, didn't they? And the songs in Camelot are so irrestible its impossible not to fall under their spell. Resistance is useless as they say.

Camelot is a long show - almost three hours including an interval - but the time flies in Trafford Margaretians magical production. If the songs sound like they've been heaven sent then the lovely Sarah Kirk, who plays Guenevere, has the voice of angel. It's so crisp, pure and clear - this is one young lady who can definitely turn her hobby into a career. For purely selfish reasons I hope she doesn't and continues to bring pleasure to Trafford's theatregoers for many years to come.

Her and Arthur Hulse, who plays King Arthur, are great together and there's a natural chemistry between the two actors. Both have a strong stage presence and they certainly make you believe they're hopelessly devoted to each other. You just know they're made for each other, even when Guenevere starts attracting the attentions of the amorous knight Sir Lancelot, played by an excellent Matt Darsley. His opinion of himself is so inflatted it's a miracle he can squeeze himself into his suit of armour and if you see him wandering lovelorn in the woods around Camelot, you wouldn't be surprised to see him holding his own hand.

Camelot is a demanding show, vocally and technically, and director Peter Pennington and his production team have ensured that everybody involved rises to the various challenges it throws up. How pleasing it was then, to see Altrincham Garrick almost full on Monday night. Companies like the Margaretians deserve our continued support because they continuously produce top quality musical theatre on our doorstep, maintaining high standards and making a mockery of the word amateur.' A knight to remember - yet another triumph for Trafford Margaretians. Rick Bowen * Until Saturday.

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