CAMELOT, it isn't. No sugary recreation of King Arthur and his Guinevere, Pendragon is an earthy, dark and vibrant journey into the medieval labyrinth of legend, dark deeds and strange superstitions.
The acclaimed National Youth Music Theatre exploded on to the stage of the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford, this week.
For the past 25 years, this company has been giving youngsters the chance to cut their teeth on one of the most difficult theatrical genres.
Not only do their productions win awards at festivals, but the companies tour the world.
This company has just returned from a tour of Japan, as part of Japan 2001, and has a contingent of Japanese actors in the cast.
From the stunning opening with 13-year-old Japanese wadaiko drummers Tomomi Anzai and Chiemi Kiko pounding out the dramatic fusillade, the show leaps into life with a vitality and verve only the young and enthusiastic can project.
Enthusiasm is not enough for this company; talent is essential and it is here in abundance.
The ensemble work is scintillating; the harmonies dense and secure and the choreography breathtaking.
Among the principals, there are some superb voices. The Lady of the Lake, Susan Miller, is superb and the adult Guinevere (19-year-old Gina Beck from Alresford) has a voice that West End producers will be queuing up for.
The young Arthur, Carl Au (14) has a mature presence and a terrific voice. Antonia Thomas as the young Morgan Le Fay is eminently watchable and totally focused.
The attendants of the Lady of the Lake create an harmonious semi-chorus of immense purity.
All the performances are memorable, with only one or two slight wobbles, and the lighting is impressively evocative.
The melodies may not all be memorable, but the audience is swept away by a tidal wave of talent and even on a humid evening, its focus never wavers.
The orchestra, none over 22, is admirable under the directionof Annmarie Lewis Thomas.
NYMT can take its place alongside any Broadway productions and beat them at their own game. In fact, it did, winning the New York Times' Critic's Choice award.
Well worth seeing.
Sandy Baker