Even Stephen Curry’s King Arthur can’t save stale Spamalot, plus other new shows this week

Even Stephen Curry’s portrayal of King Arthur in Spamalot failed to revive the aging musical, according to critics reviewing the show's debut in Sydney. The production opened at the Sydney Event Centre on October 15 and runs through October 18, with additional performances scheduled at the Coliseum Theatre in Rooty Hill from October 22 to 25. The musical, based on the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, was written by Eric Idle, a founding member of the comedy group Monty Python. It enjoyed success on Broadway in 2006, winning several Tony Awards. However, the current Australian production, directed by Drew Anthony, has been described as a "competent rehash." The show features Stephen Curry, known for his basketball career and previous acting roles, in the title role of King Arthur. The plot follows the Arthurian legend, with God commanding King Arthur to seek the Holy Grail. Arthur gathers a group of knights, including Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad, and Sir Robin, and embarks on a comedic journey filled with absurd challenges and encounters. The production includes familiar Monty Python references such as the "Ni!"-shouting knights and the Black Knight, who famously declares, "'tis but a flesh wound." Curry’s performance as King Arthur received mixed reviews. While he managed to portray the character’s preening nature, his English accent was criticized as tortuous. Jamie Rolton, playing Patsy, often overshadowed Curry with his well-timed quips and engaging stage presence. Marney McQueen, known for her role in Titanique, delivered a strong performance as the Lady of the Lake, particularly in the song "Whatever Happened To My Part?" Meanwhile, Gareth Isaac brought energy to the role of Sir Robin, though his rendition of "You Won’t Survive On Broadway Without Jews" was noted as awkward. Drew Anthony’s design concept combined low-fi production elements with technological effects. Costumes were described as simple, with handmade props, while the backdrop by Travis Badge of Aquixel transported audiences to medieval landscapes using digital projections. A notable feature was the digital rendering of the Black Knight, which included pixelated blood splatters during the iconic "flesh wound" moment. Critics pointed out that the dated humor and derivative music did not elevate the show beyond nostalgia. Despite the efforts of the cast, the production lacked modern satire and spontaneous comedic improvisation. The review suggested that the show would appeal primarily to long-time fans of Monty Python and the original musical. In addition to Spamalot, another new theatrical offering, We Are The Tigers, premiered at the Hayes Theatre on October 15 and will continue until November 8. Written by Preston Max Allen, the musical attempts to transform a subject typically associated with a "trashy teen flick" into a theatrical experience. Directed by Chiara Assetta, the production faced criticism for its uneven quality, with the music being particularly underwhelming. Only one song stood out among the eighteen tracks, leading some to question the overall coherence of the work.