It is always a privilege to return to beautiful, Blackburn Empire Theatre. On a Tuesday evening, sitting in the auditorium, with the footlights highlighting the plush red curtains (under the exquisite proscenium arch). The fourteen-strong band strikes up and the magic begins!
Spamalot, also known as Monty Python’s Spamalot: A New Musical (lovingly) ripped off from the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail, proved to be a fabulous choice of show for Blackburn Musical Theatre Company. This historic company (dating back to 1912) appears to be going from strength to strength. With an ensemble made up of over 30 people (of all different ages), this show gave every single individual the chance to shine. With sparkling dance routines, stilt walking, beautiful harmonies, hilarious leading roles and superb cameos, Spamalot, (under the direction of Tony Fry and Gary H Worthy), made excellent use of each individual’s strengths and talents.
Matt Whatley was perfect for the role of King Arthur, with a strong, commanding voice and engaging stage presence, Whatley kept this hilarious quest moving with pace and energy. Whatley, showed great professionalism throughout, including expertly responding to a funny, show-stealing moment from a young audience member, ensuring it became part of the hilarity of this zany show. All Whatley’s musical numbers were superb, with, in particular, I’m All Alone and Twice in Every Show, supplying humour, whilst sounding incredible.
A great king, in this story, requires brave, fearless, knights. Enter, Paddy Darnell-Walsh as Sir Lancelot, Simon Thompson as Sir Bedevere, Terry Banham as Sir Galahad and the somewhat less brave, but hilarious, Mikey Thompson as Sir Robin. What an incredible group of actors. The use of superb comic timing, fabulous facial expressions (particularly from Thompson) and fantastic vocal ranges meant that this show was of an exceptionally high level. All laughs aside, the talent was clear to see. The wigs (credit to Brenda Murray) were great too, and particularly effective, when mud-digging Dennis (Banham), transforms into a sophisticated, suave, smooth talking, Knight of the Round Table.
King Arthur’s loyal, coconut-tapping servant, Patsy (Charlie Birtwistle) showed versatility, with great physicality throughout, including a stunning tap dance. Birtwistle beautifully started off the iconic, crowd pleaser, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, and within seconds the audience were joining in and whistling along. One of the many feel-good moments in this musical.
Leanne Wharf as Lady of the Lake was truly incredible. This role demands a strong presence, over the top acting and a vast vocal range, Wharf did not disappoint. Wharf’s vocals were absolutely stunning. Wharf’s costumes were fabulous too. All credit to the Jackie Livesey (Wardrobe Lead), assisted by Sue Worthy and team for ensuring each and every cast member looked the part, with clearly much attention to detail. The costume reveals worked well, with Sir Lancelot’s (Paddy Darnell-Wash’s) being particularly illuminating!
The set design was simple but effective, with the castle doors and walls present throughout, providing an upper level for the utterly hilarious guards to use. The Props Team (Fleur-Lily Bramley, Jonathan Malinson and Pauline Nuttall) and Stage Manager (Ian Rimmer) have clearly gone to great efforts. Part of Monty Python’s signature style is in the surreal, DIY, low budget aesthetic, this was well achieved through the use of the green mound and the wonderful, handmade wooden rabbit. The clever use of invention must be applauded throughout, none less than in the well-known, Black Knight ‘Tis but a scratch’ scene.
The entire ensemble, including the Laker Girls, were fantastic, they all brought engaging characterisation and energy, not to mention the superb choreography (by Katie Fry), which was well executed throughout. No mean feat with a large cast.
Nick Sanders did a sterling job as Musical Director, entering into the comedy from the outset with his pistol firing. Sanders’ experience shone through as he remained unfazed by the chaotic nature of the show, not to mention the atmospheric dry ice pouring in the direction of the orchestra pit! The band sounded absolutely incredible, as did the singing. What an absolute joy to stay to the very end to hear this talented band play the final reprise of Always Look on the Bright Side of Life in its entirety.
Sound Design and Operation by John Ormerod was always impeccable, the well-timed sound effects ensured the slapstick scenes were very funny.
This show felt like a joyful, colourful, hilarious whirlwind! Monty Python were well known for controversially poking fun at British culture and religion, resulting in a wide range of reactions, and this show, with book and lyrics by Eric Idle, follows the same pattern. Spamalot is a bonkers journey to find the grail, to find purpose through the medium of musical theatre, with the help of friendship, support (provided by incredible backstage crew), laughter and as much silliness along the way as possible. For fans of Monty Python, I challenge them to leave this production without a smile on their face, this is the laughter therapy we all need.
Spamalot plays at beautiful, Blackburn Empire Theatre until Saturday 16th May (with two performances at 2:30pm and 7:30pm on Saturday). Gallop, canter and take a giant leap to get those tickets to join the quest! Tickets can be booked at: www.blackburnempire.com/show/spamalot
Reviewer: Emma Wild
Reviewed: 12th May 2026
North West End UK Rating: