“Spamalot” by Sellador Productions
Derby Theatre

Based on the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the musical follows King Arthur as he travels with the Knights of the Round Table in search of the Holy Grail.

Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best New Musical, “Spamalot” was written by Eric Idle and John DuPrez and features "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life", “Not Dead Yet”, “I’m All Alone”,"The Song That Goes Like This", "His Name Is Lancelot" and "The Diva's Lament".

Having seen “Spamalot” several times now, I knew the comedy and the Python style, but a show like this is constantly updating with topical humour, so no two productions are ever going to be the same. Whether you’re a Monty Python fan or not, you can’t deny that the writing is very funny, even after all these years and has stood the test of time. Silly comedy hardly ever ages and is mostly very cleverly written.

The brilliant cast includes Bob Harms (King Arthur) Sarah Harlington (Lady of the Lake) Rhys Owen (Patsy) Johnathan Tweedie (Sir Lancelot) Norton James (Sir Galahad) Stephen Arden (Sir Robin) Marc Akinfolarin (Sir Bedevere) Joel Benedict (Prince Herbert) and Shane McDaid, Grace Eccle, Gleanne Purcell Brown and Ryan Limb (Ensemble).

There are too many highlights to pinpoint just a few, but I loved the "His name Is Lancelot" section. One of the campest versions of this section I've seen.

Directed by Daniel Buckroyd and designed by Sara Perks. Lighting is designed by David W Kidd, sound by Chris Bogg and the brilliant choreography is by Ashley Nottingham.

Dean McDermott is the Musical Director, and along with his band of three Adam Rustidge (Bass), Ruth Whybrow (Reeds/Woodwind) and Steve Hynes (Drums/Percussion) they create a wonderfully layered sound that filled the Derby Theatre.

“Spamalaot” is at the Derby Theatre until Saturday 21 April 2018, so grab yer coconuts and gallop on down for a wonderfully fun night, and don’t say “Ni” or the rabbit may get ya!