As Eric Idle’s fellow Python John Cleese
described Spamalot the Musical; “It’s the silliest thing I’ve ever
seen…” and, obviously, based as it is on Monty Python and the Holy
Grail, itself no slouch on the silly front, this is quite a statement.
It is very silly – but also very witty and very
funny. We know what we’re in for when we see the Python branding and
this is no disappointment. It’s the product of good friendships, radical
faith in the creative process and good minds being let off the lead to
great effect.
The story is of the looser variety with many a
serpentine diversion. King Arthur (Bob Harms) accompanied by faithful
stooge Patsy (Rhys Owen) is on a quest to find some knights.
First there’s Sir Lancelot (Johnathan Tweedie),
Sir Galahad (Norton James), Sir Robin (Stephen Arden), Sir Bedevere
(Marc Akinfolarin) with each selected on a less than rigorous set of
criteria. None of them come across as particularly smart. Their quest
subtly changes to the hunt for the Holy Grail which magically appears in
the auditorium – and then another one!
It’s hugely enjoyable with a hard-working cast
and set, some wonderful music and a real band in the pit. There is also
some cracking dancing on stage as well as some sumptuous singing
particularly from the Lady of the Lake (Sarah Harlington).
The tortuous and lengthy route to the stage
relied on a wonderful duet she shares, “The Song that Goes like This”
plus the evergreen “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”. But there
are many more, written by Eric Idle and the young trumpeter, John Du
Prez, the Pythons met on the set of Monty Python and the Holy Grail way
back in 1975.
The sections I particularly enjoyed were “I am
not dead yet”, a really funny and great song that I hadn’t heard before.
“I’m all alone” where gradually the entire cast joins in is brilliant
and very funny. If you’re a Python fan, this is for you.
If you work out how the coconut shells reached
England in 923AD, let everyone else know; we’re waiting! Suspend
disbelief and get on with enjoying the drama. It’s well worth it.
Directed by Daniel Buckroyd the quest goes on to 03-03-18.
