Spamalot Theatre Review - Belfast May 2011

Spamalot Theatre Review


By Phil Allely

It’s hard to believe that after over 25 years the legacy of comedy collective Monty Python is still going strong and a musical based on their work selling out theatres across the globe. Spamalot by ex-Python Eric Idle is a superbly pitched snapshot of the crew at their most wacky. Taking the majority of its story from the infamous film Monty Python and the Holy Grail Spamalot is a laugh-a-minute jaunt down memory lane for many of us and a hugely enjoyable introduction to lunacy for newcomers.

The latest touring production of the show features a man not known for his singing prowess as lead man King Arthur. Yet Never Mind The Buzzcocks mainstay and TV panel show regular Phill Jupitus gives his all in the role that Graham Chapman made famous in the film. Of course the fact that Jupitus is surrounded by a host of stage talent does help his cause. The cast are a lively bunch and as the script dictates many perform numerous roles and pull them all off to perfection. Supporting Jupitus are leading lady Jodie Prenger (who milks her role wonderfully) and Todd (Eastenders Mark Fowler) Carty who portrays cocoanut clicking sidekick to the king Patsy, Carty especially deserves credit for his facial performance alone.

The show itself has it all, lunacy, crazy lyrics, many of the movies famous scenes, the Knights who say Ni, the visit to Camelot and some inspired takes on other key moments from the film. Even the man eating rabbit is there alongside the holy hand grenade to make things end with a bang.

Idle and co. have made this show a success by pulling in all of the original Python gags and incorporating them into a loosely fitting musical masterpiece, the songs may not make much sense,, the dances may be off kilter, but the whole show works to perfection. It’s rare to see a musical show that not only grabs your attention from the start, but has you roaring in laughter form the get go. This is one that does just that.

Spamalot the touring show may be a scaled down version of the show that has graced the West End and beyond, yet it probably works better for it. The single set is adaptable, the cast seemingly embrace their roles well and they sure know how to get an audience on side quick. Spamalot is a guilty pleasure for Monty Python fans and a must see for anyone who has become disillusioned by normal musical theatre productions.