Review: King Arthur at The Lowry is ‘side splittingly hilarious, and will fill you with joy’

King Arthur is an uproarious parody of the legendary tale, designed to evoke belly-aching laughter from start to finish.

The show features only three performers who effortlessly transform into a variety of characters, each performance showcasing the skill and dedication required to master multiple roles.

The versatility of the cast is astounding, with every character feeling fully realised and none lacking in energy or precision.

King Arthur at The Lowry

A standout is Al Dunn’s portrayal of Lancelot. Dunn’s Lancelot, with a comically exaggerated French accent, steals the scene with his timing and infectious humour, leaving the audience in stitches.

It’s a performance that is both charming and wildly entertaining, bringing fresh life to a familiar figure.

Nick Bunt’s take on King Arthur is equally impressive.

Playing a younger, more youthful Arthur, Bunt imbues the character with the vigour and rebellious spirit of a teenager.

His mastery lies in portraying two versions of the king—one being the “real” King Arthur and the other a more theatrical version of the character.

Each one feels distinct, with Bunt commanding the stage and bringing nuance to both roles.

The contrast between the two is further highlighted by the grand, majestic costume of the real Arthur, while the playful energy of the other Arthur keeps the audience engaged.

Matt Freeman delivers a dynamic performance, embodying a variety of roles with boundless energy.

Freeman seems to leap from one character to the next with ease, making each of them memorable in their own right.

His portrayal of the squire Dave stands out for its sheer hilarity and warmth, while Freeman’s physicality and comic timing elevate his scenes to unforgettable heights.

He also takes on the role of the show’s “stuntman,” performing a series of well-executed stunts that add an extra layer of excitement to the production.

Fabulous staging by Fi Russell

The staging of King Arthur is as clever as it is resourceful.

Despite the limited set, every piece of the stage is utilised creatively.

A shed serves as a key element, transforming throughout the show into various settings with inventive uses that continuously surprise.

Fi Russell’s genius shines through in both the set design and costumes, which are equally imaginative and expertly crafted, adding depth and flair to the performance.

Embracing mistakes with hilarious consequences

What truly sets this show apart is its intentional embrace of mistakes.

Whether planned or spontaneous, these moments make the performance feel fresh and unique.

One memorable mishap sees Freeman slip during a dance, colliding with the wall in a way that blurs the line between comedy and accident.

This unpredictability is part of the show’s charm, leaving the audience guessing what is real and what is staged, heightening the overall enjoyment.

Tickets for King Arthur at The Lowry

King Arthur is still a joy to watch.

It will make you laugh out loud and leave you feeling happy and full of joy.

King Arthur is playing at The Lowry until Saturday the 28th of September. You can book your tickets here