Arthur – Polka Theatre 

Picture: Jake Bush

Arthur continues at the Polka Theatre, London until 9 August 2026.

Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩

When Marietta Kirkbride wrote this show I doubt that she realised just how topical it would turn out to be. Her song ‘We Need a Leader’ had the press performance audience in gales of laughter. So did the references to a country in chaos – except that this was England at the time of King Arthur waiting for someone to retrieve Excalibur and take charge. We – err – know the feeling. 

An upbeat, thoughtful, funny take on the King Arthur story, directed by Nel Crouch, it comes with an ingenious framing device. Grace (Gurjot Dhaliwal) is sullenly waiting in A&E where her brother has broken his arm. She’s fed up and miserable, mostly because her dad is leaving them and going to live in Malaga. Then Merlin (Rose Wardlaw – terrific work) bursts onto the scene, all gor-blimey voice, bossiness and leafy headdress. By cutting though an imaginary wall, Grace manages to follow him back to Avalon.  

Of course, the piece goes back to A&E at the end and follows Grace and her brother home. In between we get lots of shenanigans with Lancelot (Adam Mirsky) who likes to dance a lot (get it?) so he can’t be a serious contender for leader can he? Then there’s Gawain (Megan Vaughan-Thomas) who competes with Lancelot. And of course Grace meets Arthur (Giles Carden) and they bond as friends because, for different reasons, both are full of self-doubt.   

Also in the mix is a gorgeous dragon puppet who purrs and arches like a cat when you stroke him to confound the stereotypes, some rather nice puppeted birds, and three trees with attitude. Inevitably it strays into Spamalot territory but this is a lot more than a comic romp.

At its heart Arthur is a quest story, obviously. It’s also a warm exploration of friendship, support and determination featuring five accomplished actors, most of whom do a lot more than simply play their headline role. 

It’s a play helped along by a few songs rather than musical theatre in the usual sense, but the music is imaginative with styles ranging from Karl Jenkins to anthem and faux minstrelsy. There is even a Beethoven reference in Harry Blake’s score. 

It’s hilarious in places, especially the anachronisms and Merlin declaring that Grace can’t possibly be killed because she has a lot to do in about 1,500 years time. But it’s also warm and tender. There’s a nice moment when Merlin sits down with Grace and says seriously: “This divorce isn’t your fault, you know.” 

Well worth catching if you’re in Wimbledon where it runs until 9 August. It’s billed for ages six to 12 but actually it would work for anyone. 

Arthur is a co-production between London’s Polka Theatre and Theatre Royal Bath’s The Egg.

Susan Elkin