LMTO: CAMELOT | London Palladium

Another roaring, standing ovation from the London Palladium for the London Musical Theatre Orchestra’s latest offering, the first time this classic 1960 musical by the writers of My Fair Lady has been seen in the West End in thirty years.

Camelot’s most famous legacy is the classic song “If Ever Would I Leave You”, sung by Lancelot (Charles Rice) to Guenevere (Savannah Stevens) at the start of Act II. Rice’s mellifluous, clarion baritone rang through the Palladium and the audience gave a roaring ovation in response.

Conductor Freddie Tapner led the 32 instrumentalists through the toe-tapping score with aplomb, with just a touch of schmaltzy slide in the strings, just a whiff of circus vibrato in the brass, and all perfectly balanced. It was great to see solo violin (Debs White) and cello (Hannah Ashenden) literally take centre stage in some gorgeous moments of underscoring.

It was particularly gratifying to enjoy cut songs “Take Me To The Fair” and “Fie On Goodness”, the latter sung with particular evil flair by the miniature Mordred (Sam Swann) and full male chorus. A wonderful throwback to the golden age of musical comedy.

Star rating: ★★★★★

Visit the LMTO website for information on upcoming performances.

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