Spamalot

Who would have predicted the ‘Marmite’ appeal of Monty Python would eventually establish itself as such a favourite in today’s comedy mainstream? With a masterly (and continuously evolving) makeover from Eric Idle, the forefathers of alternative comedy are not only alive and kicking; they’re positively packing out theatres all over the UK with the touring version of Spamalot. I must confess to being a life-long Python fan years before Monty Python and the The Holy Grail started its theatrical and musical metamorphosis but, having looked around the Orchard Theatre’s crowded auditorium, I can say with confidence that a whole new army of ‘silly walk’ and ‘knights who say ni’ supporters have appeared in the new millennium. For the sake of those who have been living in one of Terry Gilliam’s Python-animated clouds… Spamalot hilariously recounts (sort of) the legend of King Arthur, his valiant Knights of the Round Table, Excalibur and the Lady of the Lake. With more than a dozen brilliantly penned numbers from Mr. Idle (including borrowing The Life of Brian’s ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’) you merely need a cast capable, nay worthy, of paying homage to this evening of Python genius. Following Spamalot’s initial Broadway and West End runs (including Tim Curry and Simon Russell Beale wearing the crown of Arthur, King of the Britains) comedian Phill Jupitus is currently doing a wonderful job as the ‘man with the plan’ – sorry, ‘Holy Quest’. Larger-than-life Jupitus owned his audience in a commanding performance which demonstrated just how much he ‘gets’ Monty Python’s unique comic humour. Sardines interviewed Todd Carty in Issue 10 when Spamalot passed through Bromley’s Churchill Theatre some ten months ago… and, yes, he’s still there, banging away on those coconuts. Carty gives a lovely performance as Arthur’s much-put-upon sidekick, Patsy. As The Lady of the Lake, impressionist and multi-talented Jessica Martin – who directly follows Jodie Prenger into the role – provided an adequate turn but arguably found it impossible to fill the boots of world-class performer Hannah Waddingham (who wouldn’t!) who, of course, is currently playing to great acclaim as The Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz. It was interesting to see that Eric Idle has wisely decided to re-write the big Act II number – You Won’t Succeed on Broadway (if you don’t have any Jews) to now read You Won’t Succeed in Showbiz (if you don’t have any stars). A hugely funny song when delivered on Broadway which, not surprisingly, never had the same impact on the British stage. However, as a result of the modern celebrity culture we now find ourselves living in, it may be a rather ironic if sad indictment that the number now leaves its British audiences in huge fits of laughter. Spamalot’s UK tour dates still to come include:
2 – 7 May 2011… HULL NEW THEATRE