Cairns Choral Society to perform eight shows of Spamalot at Cairns Performing Art Centre in January

A production that was canned earlier this year will make its return soon showcasing Far Northern talent. Find out what is in store.

A production that was canned earlier this year because of Covid will make its return soon showcasing Far Northern talent.

Cairns Choral Society will perform eight shows of Spamalot between January 20-28 at Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

Spamalot co-director Venera Walsh said it was exciting to bring the show back after only performing three shows before cancelling.

“It’s hilarious, it’s of course about King Arthur and gathering his knights at the round table and they are in search of the holy grail,” Ms Walsh said.

“It’s got fantastic music, fantastic dancing numbers, toe-tapping dance numbers — they are just thrilling.

Kieran Walsh (Sir Robin) and Matthew Wright (Sir Lancelot) will perform Spamalot. Picture: Paul Furse, Frontrow Foto.

“It’s a mixture of great music, great story, great comedy, a bit of lightness amid all this sadness we’ve had with the pandemic and the economy. It’s great to go to the theatre for escapism.”
Ms Walsh said what made the performance extra special was the local talent.

“I don’t know if the people of Cairns realise how lucky we are because this show does showcase the abundance of talent we have in the region,” she said.

“The cast is predominantly a youthful cast. It has a mixture of ages raging from 15 to late 50s.

“It’s also mixed with very experienced performers which goes well with performers who are just learning and haven’t had as much experience.”

The performance is a mixed effort with Cairns Choral Society’s creative team including Venera Walsh and Kate Ryan as directors, Margaret Willis as the musical director, Sarah Thorne in choreography, Chris George who organised set design and Sheree Barnes as the costume designer.

Dale Schultz (Sir Galahad) behind John Margetts (Sir Bedevere), lying on the piano top Kieran Walsh (Sir Robin), Shawn Brack (Patsy), in front of Patsy, Matthew Wright (Sir Lancelot) and Michael Newman (King Arthur sitting on stool) will perform Spamalot. Picture: Paul Furse, Frontrow Foto

“From the actors and their zany characters to the wonderfully choreographed dancing girls and clever musicians who bring to life a series of toe-tapping numbers, we are so blessed here in Cairns to have such a rich and deep pool of talent,” co-director Kate Ryan said.

The cast has had plenty of practice ahead of the performance having just taken to the stage to perform an excerpt of the show for audiences attending Cairns Choral Society’s Gala Spectacular.

“The audience enthusiasm was palpable and bodes well for a successful show season ahead,” Ms Walsh said.

Early bird tickets will be on sale for November only at a discounted rate. For tickets go to ticketlink.com.au

Originally published as Cairns Choral Society to perform eight shows of Spamalot at Cairns Performing Art Centre in January