We last experienced the slapstick craziness of Exeter-based Le Navet Bete with Treasure Island at Bristol Old Vic in 2022, so we knew watching King Arthur would be a night of laughs.
Le Navet Bete loosely translates as ‘The Daft Turnip’, and that name perfectly sums up the hilarious silliness of this three-man production.
Matt Freeman, Al Dunn and Nick Bunt play all the characters with speedy costume changes in this story of three hapless squires who face the wrath of King Arthur if they don’t put on the best play ever about the legends of Camelot.
The trio of performers must be shattered at the end of each show as it’s a non-stop extravaganaza of physical comedy.
There are plenty of panto-style moments with the actors interacting with the audience. At the start of the show, the first few rows are encouraged to throw plastic vegetables, and there were several amusing moments when things didn’t quite go to plan. Those “mistakes” may well have been on purpose, but that didn’t take away from the fun.
King Arthur is aimed at those seven and above, and there are plenty of jokes to keep the young ones entertained. There are lots of more cheeky bits too that only the adults will understand.
The second act feels a little too long and could be snappier, but we really enjoyed the production overall. We can’t wait to see what those silly turnips come up with next!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
King Arthur is at Bristol Old Vic until 3 August.
Images by Craig Fuller
