Spamalot Archives - North West End UK

Spamalot – Portobello Town Hall, Edinburgh

12Jul

By Greg HolsteadNo Comments

Scotland

Spamalot – Portobello Town Hall, Edinburgh

There are some shows where you spend your time analysing every directorial choice, every dramatic beat and every performance. Then there are shows like Spamalot, where after about ten minutes you simply surrender to the sheer joy of it all. Happy Sad Productions' latest musical is exactly that kind of evening. Based on the classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the musical lovingly embraces absurdity, gleefully mocking both the original film and the conventions of musical theatre itself. It's a show that positively encourages performers to throw caution to the wind, and this company responds with infectious enthusiasm. One of the production's greatest strengths is its scale. A large ensemble fills the stage with energy throughout, ensuring that even the smallest roles have ...

13May

By Emma WildNo Comments

North West

Spamalot – Blackburn Empire

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 ...

23Apr

By Dan GrimesNo Comments

North West

Spamalot – Hyde Festival Theatre

I had the privilege of watching the original West End run of Spamalot over 20 years ago, starring Tim Curry and Hannah Waddingham. This was after I’d become obsessed with the original Broadway cast recording, which for many years was a loyal travelling companion. I have many happy memories of coasting down the A55, singing “I Am Not Dead Yet” at full belt. So, it’s safe to say I was very excited to come to Hyde Festival Theatre with my son, Sam, to watch this production by Hyde Musical Society. For those who haven’t seen the show—or the film from which it is “lovingly ripped off”—I’m not quite sure how best to describe it, other than as a loose retelling of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table’s search for the Holy Grail, filtered through the comedic lens of Monty Python and r...

21Nov

By Gill LewisNo Comments

North West

Spamalot – Rainhill Village Hall

Cult comedy, gleeful chaos, and an abundance of absurdity are served up with style in this Rainhill Village Hall production. Individuality Productions deliver an impressive rendition of the popular, Monty Python’s Spamalot. ‘Lovingly ripped off’ from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this musical by John Du Prez and Eric Idle, centres on a very daft parody of Arthurian legend with plenty of catchy show tunes thrown in. Despite the musical not getting the best reception from Idle’s former Python colleagues, the original Broadway production was nominated for 14 Tony Awards and won in 3 categories. Despite its lack of historical accuracy, with tap dancing knights, killer rabbits, and Divas, the charm and silliness enjoyed by Python fans is offered here on the local do...