Incredibly funny and the silliest of antics- these knights will have you stitches
Two Knight Stand, a production by Martyr Theatre Company, somehow managed to be both unexpected and meet expectations precisely. They were met in the sense that it was exactly the kind of silly fun I was hoping for. The unexpected came in the form of the cast for when the two knights in question rode onstage, they were in fact maidens! It also managed to be even sillier than previously imagined. In the best possible way, this trip to Riding Room in Glasgow was one of the craziest experiences.
A mix of clown and drag theatre, this two-hander is written by Moira Hamilton, who also stars as Sir Sigwin alongside Courtney Bassett as Sir Wendelgaud. When it comes to a two-hander, it’s imperative that two things be true; the writing has to be solid and so does the cast. Thankfully, this was 100% the case. The play focuses on two knights and their “rivalry”. They are locked in this apparent feud over the affections of a maiden. However, the maiden does not know they are fighting for her. In fact, the maiden isn’t even aware they exist as these two brave knights have been hiding at the top of the hill or in the bushes with a pair of binoculars. They do this every day but never actually attempt to talk to her. Well, if they don’t plan to court the maiden, then why would two noble knights spend so much time watching her? Why, to spend time with each other of course. While they would never admit it, Sigwin and Wendelgaud are infatuated with one another and no matter how much they may stare at maidens, it’s clear they only have eyes for each other. Every skirmish is just another chapter in their epic love story. Fighting actually is their love language as we see them cross blades several in many ludicrous ways, always in ways that will not actually harm each other (well, except perhaps once).
The chemistry between Sigwin and Wendelgaud is unmatched and that is largely due to the exceptional talents of Hamilton and Bassett. Their comic timing and approach was a delight to behold. More than once, the entire audience were howling with laughter and that doesn’t come without people who have a real talent for comedy. A good script is nothing without actors who understand it and have the ability to make it real. Hamilton and Bassett took us into this medieval world and managed to make everyone laugh as we all got swept up in this very silly love story.
Much of the script’s comedy is presented through double entendres and the physicality of swordplay, with the blades often getting stuck places and requiring two people to get it out. However, the humour was greatly accentuated by the work of sound designer Frederik Bang, using items such as whistles for the sounds of swords being unsheathed, tin for the sound of armour falling to the ground and his own voice in a ridiculously hilarious Duel of the Fates reference. It really adds layers to the clowning aspect of the performance and it wouldn’t have been the same without it.
The only slight issue was honestly just the seating. Riding Room is a lovely venue and in theory a really good location for performances like this but the way the chairs were stacked in so tight did lead to some discomfort. This is a hard one to get around in a small space but if there is a solve, it would really make all the difference. That being said, it did not affect the quality of the performance.
Overall, this is a riotous, raunchy work of art and even funnier than you’re probably expecting a tale of two medieval knights obsessed with each other to be. One note would be to write more stories of Sir Sigwin and Sir Wendelgaud as these characters absolutely have the potential for further adventures. The whole show was so wonderfully gay and to have more of that energy would be sublime. However, it also works well as a one-off and is a brilliant entry in the Glasgow International Comedy Festival. You won’t stop laughing!