TV viewers who favoured talent show How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? semi-finalist Abi Finley may want to catch this revival of Tim Rice's 1983 medieval rock opera - essentially Spamalot with added schmaltz - written after the end of his partnership with Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Finley acquits herself honourably in the slightly pale role of Fiona, girlfriend of court minstrel Blondel. The story begins in 1189 as Richard the Lionheart sets off on crusade. When he is taken prisoner and Prince John refuses to pay his ransom, it falls to Blondel to rescue the king.
Composer Stephen Oliver died in 1992, but Rice has been busy making revisions for this spirited revival directed by Patrick Wilde. As a result, the script now features topical allusions to the Middle East. Not that Blondel is at all serious - in fact, the silliest bits are the best.
The villains get the most memorable lines and songs: Matt Harrop is eminently hissable as wicked Prince John but the laurels go to Napoleon Ryan's vengeful Assassin, who gets to rhyme 'tortured' with 'orchard'. Good, panto-style fun.
Until Dec 31, Pleasance Theatre, Carpenter's Mews, North Road N7, Tue to Sat 7.30pm, Sun 5pm (Dec 24 2.30pm only), Sat mats 2.30pm, £10 to £18.50. Tel: 020 7609 1800. www.pleasance.co.uk Tube: Caledonian Road
Blondel
Pleasance Theatre
Carpenter's Mews, North Road, N7 9EF
