January 24, 2012
As the poster boldly declares, Spamalot is ‘a new musical lovingly ripped off from Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Eric Idle and John Du Prez. The current touring production is directed by Christopher Luscombe.
Loosely based in the dark ages, the plot follows Arthur, King of the Britons (Marcus Brigstocke), and his coconut-banging servant, Patsy (Todd Carty), as he attempts to recruit knights for his court at Camelot and The Very Round Table before he is asked by God (Eric Idle) to embark on a mission to find The Holy Grail.
Along the way he is joined by Lancelot, Galahad, Belvedere, Robin, and Prince Herbert. The Lady of The Lake (Bonnie Langford) delivers a deliciously diva-esque performance, especially in the ‘The Song That Goes Like This’ and ‘The Diva’s Lament’ which brilliantly parodies the traditional structure of a musical production.
Whether a Monty Python fan or not, you will enjoy yourself. The show strikes a great balance between the surreal and pantomime. You cannot help but smile as you are bombarded with base schoolboy humour, slapstick physical comedy, and extremely intelligent and thought-provoking philosophical observations. Recent events/characters in the real world are also very cleverly dropped into the script, which give it a fresh and updated feel; there were references to Simon Cowell, Susan Boyle, Anthony Worrall Thompson, and even Jedward.
Familiar characters and scenes from The Holy Grail are included in the production including the French taunter, a grumpy God, The Black Knight, the Killer Bunny, and the Knights who say ‘Ni’.
Although taken from The Life of Brian, it is inevitable that this Monty Python -based musical also includes the well-known song ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’.
The pace of the show is perfect, and you will find it difficult to not laugh out loud. The strong cast and ensemble deliver an outstandingly humorous show in an effortless manner with excellent singing and choreography. The set, costumes, and lighting all assist in projecting an energetic vibrancy from the stage. Particular highlights were the songs “He Is Not Dead Yet” and “His Name Is Lancelot”.
Risqué and silly, this production is highly recommended - even a doubting Thomas (or Dennis) will leave the theatre having enjoyed a great show.
Loosely based in the dark ages, the plot follows Arthur, King of the Britons (Marcus Brigstocke), and his coconut-banging servant, Patsy (Todd Carty), as he attempts to recruit knights for his court at Camelot and The Very Round Table before he is asked by God (Eric Idle) to embark on a mission to find The Holy Grail.
Along the way he is joined by Lancelot, Galahad, Belvedere, Robin, and Prince Herbert. The Lady of The Lake (Bonnie Langford) delivers a deliciously diva-esque performance, especially in the ‘The Song That Goes Like This’ and ‘The Diva’s Lament’ which brilliantly parodies the traditional structure of a musical production.
Whether a Monty Python fan or not, you will enjoy yourself. The show strikes a great balance between the surreal and pantomime. You cannot help but smile as you are bombarded with base schoolboy humour, slapstick physical comedy, and extremely intelligent and thought-provoking philosophical observations. Recent events/characters in the real world are also very cleverly dropped into the script, which give it a fresh and updated feel; there were references to Simon Cowell, Susan Boyle, Anthony Worrall Thompson, and even Jedward.
Familiar characters and scenes from The Holy Grail are included in the production including the French taunter, a grumpy God, The Black Knight, the Killer Bunny, and the Knights who say ‘Ni’.
Although taken from The Life of Brian, it is inevitable that this Monty Python -based musical also includes the well-known song ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’.
The pace of the show is perfect, and you will find it difficult to not laugh out loud. The strong cast and ensemble deliver an outstandingly humorous show in an effortless manner with excellent singing and choreography. The set, costumes, and lighting all assist in projecting an energetic vibrancy from the stage. Particular highlights were the songs “He Is Not Dead Yet” and “His Name Is Lancelot”.
Risqué and silly, this production is highly recommended - even a doubting Thomas (or Dennis) will leave the theatre having enjoyed a great show.