Spamalot is back in the West End after running for four years at The Palace in London from 2006, after which it produced a successful tour which has scaled down the lavish sets and the cast numbers. Even with these changes, the show has had successful re-launch at The Playhouse Theatre in London.
Lovingly ripped-off from the classic film comedy “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”, Spamalot is a hilarious musical directed by Christopher Luscombe, with a book by Eric Idle and an entirely new score created by Eric Idle and John Du Prez. Telling the legendary tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, Spamalot features a cast of sixteen, including a cow, a killer rabbit and French people! Monty Python’s Spamalot raises the well-remembered comedy of Monty Python to an art form on stage.
The cast have just had a change with the well-loved CBBC presenters Dick and Dom (Richard McCourt and Dominic Wood) joining as King Arthur and his loyal servant Patsy, which marks their West End debut, plus the addition of Carley Stenson as The Lady of the Lake. Carley has appeared in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks as well as on the stage in Legally Blonde and Shrek the Musical.
The show is two hours in length (including interval) and has some great numbers which you will find yourself humming for days! If you love the humour of Monty Python, you will know about the silliness of the comedy and when I went there was a great atmosphere in the audience and everyone sung along with the famous number “Always look on the bright side of life!”
Dick and Dom, famous for their children’s comedy, played the parts and delivered the lines well and – obviously due to their working relationship over the years – the chemistry between them was solid. They did a better job than I thought they would, but were obviously not as vocally talented as some of the other actors. Carley Stenson did a fabulous rendition of Diva’s Lament (Whatever Happened To My Part?) – that girl has a powerful voice! You can tell the cast obviously enjoy what they do and so it becomes infectious to the audience as well. I laughed till my cheeks hurt!
The acoustics are wonderful in the theatre and the cast and orchestra were sharp. The Playhouse is a smaller theatre in the West End but as the cast is small it works well compared to the big production at The Palace. This gives the show more of a pantomime feel, so it’s perfect for the winter months. The staff at the Palace theatre are faultless and very helpful in aiding people to their seats. The Theatre has a well-stocked bar and comical ale on sale too!
Spamalot is great fun and a perfect alternative to panto at Christmas time for adults. This is a musical which is funny, really entertaining and doesn’t take itself too seriously. A nice, unpretentious and relaxing evening. The show will be a treat for any lover of silly comedy and it’s always great to see a killer bunny on stage!
Spamalot
Playhouse Theatre
Northumberland Avenue
London WC2N 5DE
United Kingdom
