Monty Python’s Spamalot at the New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham Review
3-7 October 2017
Reviewed by Emma Legge
Monty Python’s Spamalot ‘A new musical ‘lovingly’ ripped off from the motion picture ‘MONTY PYTHON and the Holy Grail’ at The New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham.
Picture this, one half of the reviewing duo who is a Monty Python aficionado, watched the films, the tv series re-runs and regularly quotes them especially when our children fall off their bikes. ‘It’s merely a flesh wound dear Florence’ is a phrase regularly heard in our household! Then there’s the other half, me, who has never watched the films or the series but at least I do know the song, ‘Always look on the bright side of life’ although I do have the said aficionado whispering over my shoulder “That song was from The Life of Brian!”
Either way, we both entered the theatre last night not really knowing what to expect from a low budget but hugely successful and iconic film with well-known actors being re-enacted by actors and dancers on the stage.
The first half was very much introducing us to the actors, setting the scene and introducing the slightly slapstick feel for the show. I immediately caught on to the storyline hence proving that you don’t have to be a Monty Python fan first to go and see it. My husband, Adam, however, was chuckling to himself from the start and every so often whispering to me, ‘yep, that’s in the film’ The casting of the roles has been done brilliantly with special mention to Bob Harms and Sarah Harlington who act King Arthur and Lady of the Lake. Both of them had me in stitches and Adam remarked how amazingly they acted in the Monty Python style. Then there’s Johnathan Tweedie who acted Sir Lancelot, Adam said he really reminded him of the original actor of this role, John Cleese.
As good as the first half was, the second was spectacular in comparison. I was erupting in fits of laughter from the start and couldn’t help but feel that this is simply a pantomime but for grownups! And I mean that with upmost respect… who doesn’t love a panto? Throw in the adult humour, mild swear words, double entendres and immense talent and it’s a huge recipe for success. To back up my observation, they even picked on a poor member of the audience and had him up on the stage and in true panto style, he of course got a prize in return for his embarrassment, a tin of spam!
This show has been running since 2005, starting out on Broadway, it has proved itself a huge success in its own right. But I’ll add to the many reviews that have been written about the show, it’s still as relevant and worthy today as it was 13 years ago. It’s fresh, with impressive scenery and local jokes and up-to-date comments of current stars and politicians but has retained the classic Monty Pythion silliness which is still as much a breath of fresh air today as it was back in the 70’s.
Now I think it’s time for me to catch up on the films!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £21.40 to £45.90 (plus £4 transaction fee).
Monty Python’s Spamalot is at the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham from 3-7 October 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/birmingham or call the box office on 0844 871 3011.
New Alexandra Theatre, Suffolk Queensway, Birmingham, West Midlands, B5 4DS
