Arts > Comedy

Monty Python's Spamalot

Norwich Theatre Playhouse

02/06/17

Many years ago I had the privilege of interviewing Terry Jones and Michael Palin; I didn’t quite get round to Eric Idle, but he’s certainly another formidable member of the Monty Python crew. And Idle’s musical ability shines through in this brilliantly scored, and hilarious, musical theatre version of the famed 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

We follow King Arthur as he selects his motley crew of Knights of the Round Table. On their quest for the Holy Grail, we meet dancing nuns, murderous rabbits, condescending French men, and the hilarious Knights Of Ni. But the show’s unique appeal, which isn’t in the film, are the constant musical references to well known Broadway productions, from Singin’ In The Rain, to West Side Story, and Fiddler On The Roof.

It makes for a night of musical extravaganza, especially with Holly Graham in the role of the glamorous Lady of the Lake – intentionally reminiscent in musical ability and mannerisms to Barbra Streisand. If in doubt some of Babs’ lyrics are also thrown in. It makes perfect sense of course; after all, one of the most memorable songs is You Won’t Succeed on Broadway (If You Don’t Have Any Jews). Expect hilarious lyrics and fantastic choreography. Other wonderful tunes include The Song That Goes Like This, Brave Sir Robin, His Name is Lancelot (or Lola!), and Idle has wisely kept Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.

Threshold Theatre Company is well established, and director Dan Rayner has done a great job in bringing this show to life with the help of an impressive, mainly amateur cast. Alex Firth-Clark plays an intelligent and equally silly Sir Galahad, though all the knights are as stupid as you’d hope. Nic Gordon makes a funny and camp Prince Herbert waiting to be rescued from the tower by his Prince Charming; Zac Sowter is very adept as the French Taunter hurling abuse at the Knights. King Arthur has the look and charm of a king, and he’s also in practically every scene. So, when I have a chat with him after the show, I find out what that’s like for him: “Well, I lost five pounds on the first night,” he smiles. I look around for the £5 before realising that he’s tapping his belly.