Director: John Nicholson
If medieval legends gone comical with a side of latex vegetables sounds like a good night of entertainment, King Arthur at Theatr Clwyd by physical company Le Navet Bete provides just that. With a range of dummies and props, and a frantically paced show that barely pauses for breath, this production is perfectly relentless in its humour and designed to delight.
As a cast of three, Al Dunn, Nick Bunt and Matt Freeman multi-role with extreme agility, transforming from maidens to wacky knights through quick-fire costume changes and an arsenal of British accents. It follows the three squires Edgar, Osbert and Dave who are plunged into the stocks for treason. Their only hope of redemption is Dave’s drunken promise to produce “Arthurfest”, a festival which will immortalise teenage King Arthur. The only problem is that Arthur has not done anything legendary yet. Put it all together, and this talented group portrays a hilarious set of scenarios. The familiar beats of Arthurian legend are all present, but twisted for comedic effect.
Each actor brings their own charm and wit to the performance, but it is Freeman as Dave the Rave who steals the show. In platform boots and a sparkling bodysuit, he delivers punchlines perfectly and interacts with the audience as though it is second nature. In fact, audience interaction is a large part of why the show works so well. From the constant breaking of the fourth wall to The Play That Goes Wrong–style moments, a pantomime-style experience ensures the audience are always involved, even when the show is moving at a dizzying pace. The audience throw vegetables at the squires on cue, and volunteers are called upon to read out lurid posters.
Director John Nicholson keeps up the pace by balancing purposefully unstructured storytelling with moments of improvisation and accidents that send entire scenes into moments of chaos. The set is minimal but cleverly used, with props doubling in function and a few hysterically phallic references. Costume changes are done seamlessly for the most part (Bunt’s starry undergarments are particularly memorable), and the characters are easily recognisable.
King Arthur at Theatr Clwyd is not interested in reverence, but interested in fun. It is fast, inventive, and packed with enough theatrical wit to keep both children and adults fully engaged. For all its chaos, it is tightly crafted and well thought-out.
A hilarious and high-energy romp through the myths of old, delivered by three performers at the top of their game.
Runs until 26 July 2025
