Spamalot The stage show

Postmodern features largely contribute to (and arguably form the foundation of) the comedy within this stage show. Here is why...

PARODY!

• The title itself is a parody of the 'Lancelot' Myth in that it integrates the legendary knight's name with the branding of a notoriously 'low-brow', processed meat. This in turn also links to Strinati's theory of 'the breakdown between high art and popular culture'.
• The popular song; "The Song That Goes Like This" parodies the conventional romantic ballad often found in musicals. Follow the link below to watch it :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-fG8c-CMoU&NR=1&feature=fvwp

AWARE OF IT'S OWN CONSTRUCTION!

• The plot basically encapsulates a play within a play. To complete the quest and pass through the forest, the characters are ordered to make a show. Towards the climax of the play, the characters publicly announce that they are aware that they are already in a play!
• There are a number of moments of direct address in the show, where actors engage with members of the audience. This therefore breaks the fourth wall and destroys the verisimilitude of realism.

HYPERREALITY AND SIMILACRA!

• Being on a stage, the characters are 'real' beings that can be touched by the audience. As a TV show, actors can be readily separated from their roles due to the distinction between reality and the intangible programme; however, the lack of a 'silver screen' makes deciphering person from imaginary persona all the more difficult.

INTERTEXTUALITY!

• Frequent references to popular celebrities (Britney Spears, Cheryl Cole etc) and social networking sites such as facebook immediately engages the audience. These very modern features also contribute to 'Confusions over time and space'. Although the play is set in 936 AD, the characters are aware of such things as the internet and pop music - adding a modernist ironic twist to the plot. Follow the link below to view the particular song that mentions Britney Spears.
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJqAYUAJbTk

BRICOLAGE!

• Being a staged production bricolage could not come in the form of film stock of a mix of old and new footage. However, bricolage is still evident in the play's vast range of genre types and styles. The plot includes conventions of action, adventure, romance, comedy and musical.

By Gemma Sandry and Jade Sharpe-Welsh