Spamalot – Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

Writer: Eric Idle

Music: John Du Prez

Director: Christopher Luscombe

Reviewer: Sarah Lyth

The Public Reviews Rating:

The legend of King Arthur is truly a British treasure, but it is the might of Monty Python that truly triumphs in this outrageous and psychedelic parody of the well-beloved tale of knights and the quest for the Holy Grail.

Flying up from the West End, this musical by Eric Idle and John Du Prez is a gem of a show for Sheffield Theatres to host. It did not disappoint the throngs of fans who were heard quoting the infamous scenes in the bars and streets around the theatre prior to the show. The audience roared their way through the performance, singing along to the classics (Knights of the Round Table, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life…) and being delighted by the plethora of puns, asides and outright ridiculous comic slapstick that we have come to know and love about Monty Python.

Set with the might of aged castles looming, modern disco lights blaring, Excalibur beaming down heavenly lights from above…and Todd Carty clapping together coconut shells, the story was told with great energy and humour. When King Arthur succumbed to giggles with the imposing Knights who say ‘Ni’ we did not blame him, James Gaddas portrayed the role of ridiculous King with perfect timing and generous tongue in cheek. It was the wonder of Sir Lancelot who stole the show, at once strong and mysterious and then lycra-clad and prancing, it was he who summed up all that is Monty Python about Spamalot. Glittering costumes, expert delivery of the most inane lines and unashamedly wacky dancing stunned the audience into open-mouthed enjoyment. Jodie Prenger belted out her show tunes with all of the power and control that household audiences across the country have come to expect and love. Samuel Holmes as Sir Robin gained the biggest applause with his ‘You won’t succeed in Showbiz,’ a hilarious number parodying all of today’s vacuous television offerings. It certainly hit many a chord of those watching who grew up with Python’s eccentricity as staple diet.

As the might of a British Autumn rolls on in with its rain and mist, Spamalot casts a giddy ray of neon sunshine to brighten the darkening evenings with unbridled cheer and a great dollop of British silliness. Genius.