Entertainment West Coast

Monty Python’s Spamalot is Superbly Silly

When I first met my husband-to-be, he thought he’d impress me by quoting random Monty Python skits. As in the Dead Parrot sketch, word for word. “He’s not dead, he’s resting!” Maybe not the best first date material, but he lucked out because I was a Monty Python fan too. We own all the Monty Python movies, so you can be sure we’ve been looking forward to seeing Monty Python’s Spamalot for a long time.

Written by Monty Python alum Eric Idle with music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle, Spamalot is loosely based on the 1975 motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail. This silly and satirical send up presented by the Arts Club Theatre Company had us laughing out loud. I’d say about half the show is pulled from classic Monty Python, but there is a great deal of new material here too. Never fear, it meshes seamlessly with the old material and keeps that incomparable Monty Python flavour throughout the play.

Spamalot is playing at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Theatre. I liked that this venue is on the smaller side. Even up in the balcony we had a great view. Marshall McMahen’s set and props do a good job of capturing the feel of Terry Gilliam’s animation used throughout all of Monty Python’s body of work and visually ties the whole thing together.

View from Stanley Theatre balcony

With the help of the Lady of the Lake (Terra MacLeod), straight man King Arthur (David Marr) and his faithful manservant Patsy (marvelously portrayed by Andrew Cownden) gather the Knights of the Very, Very, Very Round Table: Sir Lancelot the Homicidally Brave (Jay Hindle), Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-as-Sir-Lancelot (Josh Epstein), Sir Galahad the Dashingly Handsome (Jonathan Winsby), and Sir Bedevere the Strangely Flatulent (Ashley O’Connell).

King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table

When the knights reach Camelot they’re welcomed Vegas style, complete with a grand song and dance routine and showgirls.

Welcome to Fabulous Camelot

After an order from God’s feet, the Knights set off on their quest for the Holy Grail. Favourite scenes along the way included the French taunter (hilariously played by Josh Epstein who doubles as Sir Robin). Crude humour, fart jokes, and much merriment ensue. I’m a little embarrassed to tell you I was able to recite almost every word in this scene under my breath.

The French taunter played by Josh Epstein

And hubs liked the Knights who say “Ni!” demanding tribute in the form of a shrubbery. Great costume work here!

The Knights Who Say "Ni!"

As someone blessed (cursed?) with perfect relative pitch, I thoroughly enjoyed the singing from all members of the cast. Standouts for me were Terra MacLeod as the Lady of the Lake and Scott Perrie as Prince Herbert. I’m also a loud and proud fan of musicals, and I loved the nods to Fiddler on the Roof, West Side Story, Les Misérables, and a couple of other musicals I’m sure I missed. The tongue-in-cheek “The Song that Goes Like This” pokes fun at the seemingly requisite power ballad in just about every Broadway musical, and I’m pretty sure the Lady of the Lake was channeling Celine Dion, Cher, and Liza Minelli at various points in the show.

Even though “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” is lifted from another Monty Python film (Life of Brian), as their best-known musical number it absolutely deserves its place in Spamalot. Of the original numbers, I found myself humming “Not Dead Yet” and “Find Your Grail” the next day – the best test of an earworm. My only quibble is that some of the English accents seemed a bit uneven to this Canadian ear. Not enough to distract me from the play, but enough that I noticed.

Unlike the movie, there is an actual ending to this play. The Grail is recovered, and we are treated to two weddings. I wholeheartedly recommend you go see Spamalot. Fans of Monty Python will appreciate it more (and will likely mouth the words along with the actors during the classic scenes), but even non-aficianados will have a good time. Given that this is Monty Python, it goes without saying there are a few instances of crude language and a couple of suggestive scenes. Nothing to get worked up over, but probably not appropriate for children. This is not your typical musical, so bring your significant other, bring your friends, bring your dad, or bring your lumberjack. Doesn’t matter which, just get over here before the show closes June 29.

(Images courtesy of Arts Club Theatre Company)

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Monty Python’s Spamalot is now playing on the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage through June 29, 2014. Performances run Tuesday through Sunday evenings with matinees on Wednesdays and weekends. Tickets start at just $29. Buy your tickets online!

Find out more on the Arts Club website, and connect with the Arts Club Theatre Company on Facebook and Twitter.

Monty Python's Spamalot poster

Disclosure: I received media tickets to this event for review purposes. All opinions expressed are completely honest and my own, based on my own personal experience. Your experience may differ.

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9 Comments

  • The show really does look fun! I like the Knights who say “Ni!” as well lol. Love Monty Python!!!

    • We had a great time at the show, and it was honestly one of the only times my husband has been just as excited about attending the theatre as me! 🙂

      • I’ve never really been excited about theatre, haven’t even attended since high school, but I would totally be excited about about Monty Python!! ABSOLUTELY!

  • Monty Python lol, I have their movies also and I have to say this one is my favourite but I thought it was called The Holy Grail, my favourite is the two knights fighting and the dark knight gets his arms and legs cut off but still wants to fight “come back i will bite your ankles” and so many more scenes, now you got me wanting to put the movie in to watch, for being a live show it looks like it will be lots of fun and laughter!!!

    • LOL, that’s one of my favourite scenes too! “It’s only a flesh wound,” has become a bit of a byword in our house. He makes an appearance in Spamalot as well.

  • OMG!!! this looks so good to see, I hope they do come down here would love to see this live, thanks for share