The Malta Independent on Sunday
Joining the fray
The Comedy Knights are now a Christmas institution but unlike most traditions, they are incredibly open to change. Here, the latest addition to the comic menagerie, LADY CHANTELLE MICALLEF GRIMAUD, tells Iggy Fenech more about the show and why she decided
It was December 2013 when the first Comedy Knights show hit the stage of the Salesian Theatre in Sliema. It did well, but no one could have envisaged the stellar rise of the show to a Maltese Christmas favourite or that it would be coining the next generation of catchphrases…
Directed and produced by Wesley Ellul, the cast of the Comedy Knights has changed a few times over the years, and is currently made up of Sir Marc Cabourdin, Lady Jo Caruana, Lady Pia Zammit, Sir Colin Fitz, Sir Chris Dingli, Sir Thomas Camilleri, Sir Steve Hili and, of course, Lady Chantelle Micallef Grimaud.
The chemistry has proven to be electrifying and, five years on, here we are… Impatiently waiting for The Comedy Knights’ 5how Me the Funny on in just a few days’ time! But, as we find out from Lady Chantelle, as important as experience and talent are to be a Comedy Knight, the code of chivalry demands more than just that.
What’s your story in theatre?
My formal training started at a young age with ballet and piano and I only started focusing on theatre and singing at the age of 17 when I attended Stagecoach and voice lessons with Denise Mulholland… After completing my studies in English and Theatre Studies and a Masters in Creativity and Innovation at the University of Malta, I was accepted as a Master’s student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where I specialised in Musical Theatre.
Since then, I have done quite a few shows, including the Love Me Tinder Cabaret at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and a puppetry show as part of the Firsts Festival at the Little Angel Theatre in London. I also played the parts of Captain Nel and Lurch in The Girl Who and The Addams Family, respectively. Oh, and of course, The Comedy Knights show last year!
How did you end up in The Comedy Knights?
I had worked with most of the Knights previously in other projects, however, hardly any of the productions were ever of a comedic nature so none of the Knights knew if I could really do comedy. Then, last year, I was told that the Knights were looking for another female comedic actress to join the cast and were discussing possible options. Coincidentally, a few weeks prior, Lady Jo Caruana had come to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and watched the comedy cabaret I was in – Love Me Tinder – and she must’ve enjoyed the show as she pitched my name to the team and the rest is history!
What did you think of the show before?
I thought it was fantastic. I had seen the second and third shows and thought the scripts were intelligent, funny, very relevant and respectfully done. I also loved it because there was a bit of everything: witty sketches, song, choreography and innovative Boomwhacker sequences. What more could you want from a Christmas show?
What do you think of the show now you’re in it?
I love it even more. Now that I am a part of the process and I can witness how the show comes together, I have such respect for the writers and the material they come up with, and all the input that the team provides. The cast members all have their own style of comedy and ultimately when the ideas come together, the result is a collection of hilarious and apt anecdotes which truly reflect all the Knights.
It’s also one of those shows that is truly different every night. The team strives to be current and very relevant so whenever there is a development in the news, it will probably affect the lines in the show on that particular day. In other words, there are small changes constantly being made. It might sound daunting, but it actually makes the material fun, fresh and exciting for us, as well as the audiences.
Why is it important to have shows like The Comedy Knights?
Every now and again, we all have to step away, take a good look at ourselves and laugh. The aim of The Comedy Knights is to offer a social commentary which gives all members of the audience the opportunity to laugh at themselves, their neighbours and current affairs. In the end, laughter is the best medicine, and there’s nothing better than laughing along with a packed theatre. So, I would say that The Comedy Knights may be the perfect way to bid this year goodbye and herald in the New Year with hope and a smile… Although I may be slightly biased there, which is why you should come check us out for yourself!
What can audiences expect from this year’s show?
All their favourite characters to make a comeback, for starters… However, this year’s show will be introducing new characters that may very well become crowd favourites. We also have some hilarious group sketches and great songs everyone will enjoy.
Lastly, we all know that this year’s been a tough one which has left most of us shocked in one way or another. To this end, The Comedy Knights’ 5how Me the Funny is designed to be cathartic: from dealing with certain issues with the respect and dignity they deserve to inviting the audience to join us in an apt and triumphant climax. Hope to see you there!
The Comedy Knights’ ‘5how Me the Funny’ will be on at the Salesian Theatre in Sliema every night at 8pm between Tuesday, 26 December and Sunday, 7 January – bar New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.