12th June 2025 | REVIEW | Annabelle Langley DST First Night contributor, The Hooter President (24/25)
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Oswald's Players' Latest Show
Oswald’s Players returned to the stage this June with a vibrant and hilariously executed performance of Spamalot, marking their strongest production to date. With a show packed full of sharp humour, memorable characters and impressive musicality, this rendition of the Monty Python classic felt uniquely tailored to its South College audience.
Image: Oswald's Players Theatre Company
What stood out immediately was the sheer comedic energy of the cast, evident from Maisie Donohue's (Historian) first appearance on the stage. From the very first scene, the performance was bursting with clever timing, physical comedy and self-aware humour. The standout moment for me was the Durham-specific parody of 'Showbiz', packed with references like "BNOC", "Disco Water" and "Comets Cheer". It was a perfect example of how the cast and creative team made the show feel local without losing the essence of the original material.
Abbie Wells (Angel), although only singing one solo number, delivered a performance that stopped the show in its tracks ('Find Your Grail'). Her stage presence and vocal control was incredible. Similarly, Elize Collins shone not only in her role as the Lady of the Lake - where her charisma and vocal flair elevated every scene she was in - but also behind the scenes, where her work as set designer was exceptional. I must also give myself some credit here, holding together the show by printing off photos of fish.
The creativity and effort poured into each set piece were obvious, with the overall aesthetic managing to strike a balance between playful and polished.
Fred Walmsley (King Arthur) continues to cement his place as a reliable and engaging lead for Oswald’s Players. His strong vocals and clear commitment to the role brought consistency to a show filled with fast-paced absurdity. Alex Flaherty (Tim the Enchanter), although only briefly on stage, delivered arguably the best Scottish accent in theatrical history, and while his appearance was short, it was memorable. However, it was a huge shame to not see him reprise his role as 'Door' from the pantomime, as that remains his stand-out performance.
Image: Oswald's Players Theatre Company
Clem Charles’ (French Taunter) performance was another highlight. Her comedic timing and natural stage presence brought a spark to every scene she appeared in, and her over-the-top French accent added a layer of comedy that was all the more effective as she is actually French. Ben Mitchell's (Sir Galahad) facial expressions were also a great example of physical comedy within the show.
The music, directed by Jake Holding, was consistently strong and well-executed. The live band added texture and pace to the performance, elevating each musical number without overpowering the performers. Costume design (Ruby Briggs) was another impressive element, particularly for the central cast, whose outfits were fun, distinctive, and well-matched to their characters; Fred as Arthur is a notable example of this, and I was personally wondering where I could get the Elize's dress in time for the ball.
The set design, again led by Elize Collins, deserves repeat mention for its creativity and detail. It was clear that significant time and care had gone into creating a visual world that both supported the action and allowed the humour to thrive. Clever use of props (designed by Charles) and visual gags, including a particularly memorable bit with a rabbit, added to the fun.
Overall, Spamalot was a triumph for Oswald’s Players.
It struck the rare balance between polished production and chaotic comedy, showcasing the strength of its cast and creative team. From direction (Jack Radcliffe) to design, performance to music, the production demonstrated the kind of collaboration and passion that makes student theatre so rewarding.
For those lucky enough to have seen it, this was a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable evening and a clear sign that Oswald’s Players continue to go from strength to strength. ●
Spamalot played 8th-9th June 2025 at the Mount Oswald Hub, Durham. Produced by: Oswald's Players Theatre Company (@oswaldsplayers), in association with Durham Student Theatre (@studenttheatre), South College JCR (@southcollegejcr), and Theatrical Rights Worldwide (www.theatricalrights.co.uk).
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