Spamalot – Derby Theatre
On Wednesday night I had the opportunity to see “Spamalot” at Derby Theatre, and what a Knight (sic) I had.
Inspired by Monty Python’s film “ Monty Python and The Holy Grail” we are treated to an evening of puns, physical comedy, gags and dialogue of the absurd which had everyone laughing out loud. Have you ever wondered about the coconut carrying abilities of the European, or African, sparrow? I had not until the subject was discussed in hilarious detail.
King Arthur sashays his way through the quest with his faithful patsy Patsy doing the donkey ( horse shoe effect) work. His plans to breach castles using a Trojan Rabbit succeed, then fail, when he forgets to put anyone in the rabbit. An awkward knight has to be dismembered before he will yield to Arthur and his faithful Knight Lancelot has a decision to make when the damsel in distress he attempts to rescue turns out to be a man.
The songs were unusually strong even though I was not familiar with most of them. The big exception of course was “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” so good we were treated to it twice. Sarah Harlington, who sang beautifully, was wonderful as the Lady of the Lake, the perfect love interest for Bob Harms’ insouciant, phlegmatic King Arthur.
The second half highlight was a song and dance routine of Knights and soldiers in 1970’s style silver hot pants which brought the house down. Oh, and they find the Holy Grail in a most unexpected place!
At the end, the almost full house rose to salute a fine company deliver a very funny show with energy, heart- and a smile. It continues at Derby Theatre, as part of a nationwide tour, until Saturday 21st April.