Monty Python's Spamalot

Review by Sean Lynch

Having vague memories of musicals in the form of The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins as a child, and a variety of poorly staged High School performances featuring my little sister who was 'part of the chorus' (the rough translation being: Not good enough for a part, but we will throw you in the background somewhere to make you feel like you are not a total failure and get extra ticket sales from your family) - my feeling towards the art form has never been one of great respect.

However, after attending a showing of Mel Brooks' The Producers, the thought dawned on me that maybe - just maybe - there was merit to the concept of a comedy stage show. 

The script to Mel Brooks' amusing yarn was tongue in cheek and clever, the performances (which all to often evolve into camp messes in most musicals) were fun - and it was visually spectacular.

So when I heard that Monty Python's Eric Idle had adapted the comedy troupe's cult film Monty Python & The Holy Grail I was tempted to book a ticket on the spot.

However, it wasn't long until the prospect of other actors doing iconic Python dialogue started to worry me greatly. 

For a long time, Idle has been known as the Python with the least respect for the credibility of the material (he has named his most recent US tours the "Eric Idle Exploits Monty Python Tour" and "The Greedy Bastard Tour") so suddenly, the concept quickly became one of greed - and not comedic merit (something Python comedy fans hold near and dear to their hearts).

A swag of Tony Awards and numerous other industrial honours were soon bestowed upon the show - and once again - my worries were eased somewhat.

Cut to opening night in Melbourne, Australia.

I wander in the doors of Her Majesty's Theatre - past the bright flashing bulbs, past the variety of upper class snobs with glasses of wine, past the Python nerds, ending in front of the merchandise stand - aptly renamed "Ye Olde Ripee-Offee Shoppe". 

Well - at least Mr Idle is up front about it!

The show begins - the voice of Idle booms from the speakers regarding "Please feel free to talk on your phones as loudly as you like during the performance". The crowd responds with excitement (perhaps we will get some genuine Python action!!).

From here, the show takes a little getting used to. Mixing elements of the original Holy Grail script "Wonderful ploomidge", tips of the hat to Python legacies (the fish slapping dance) and original pieces - Spamalot packs quite a punch.

Being a Python fanatic, having to hear the varied different interpretations of the dialogue readings can get frustrating. Let's face it, 85% of those attending will have viewed Holy Grail dozens of times - knowing the timing and inflection of each word to the syllable.

The first fifteen minutes I couldn't help but be critical - and almost disappointed - that it wasn't the same. 

Arthur didn't possess the charms of Graham Chapman, Michel Palin's presence is sorely missed, etc, etc. 

However, the show soon gets on it's way - with enough in-jokes and Python references to get you through any of the (arguably much weaker) new material and songs. At times it's like a Python medley, with little glimpses of gags that we have all grown up with (Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam) which truly give you a tingle.

There is another original Python member who makes a vocal cameo just before the interval, and by the break - my fears were almost gone. This thing (all of my nit picking aside) was actually pretty good. 

Sadly - I spoke to soon...

The second act begins well, with the Life of Brian classic "Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life" - but from here things start to go haywire. 

The story begins to go on it's own little adventure, only occasionally returning to Grail for "The Black Knight" and "The Knights Who Say Ni" sketches (both scenes, admittedly, are done fantastically).

The major problem here is that Spamalot becomes 'just another musical' throughout the second act. The songs are overtly predictable, the script way too self-referential and the overall effect resembles something that the original Pythons would have mocked back in the 1970s.

By the time the show closed out with a reprise of Bright Side of Life - I was quite glad to be out of there.

Having said that, those who never quite 'got' Monty Python will be extatic with Spamalot. It is (in terms of musical theatre) fresh, quirky and fun without ever being too "silly" or eclectic. I just get the sense that the Python die-hards will be somewhat underwhelmed.

Overall, it was an enjoyable night - one which is certain to have you whistling Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life all the way to the car park and back home again.

If you are a Python fan, you will be driven to revisit the DVDs or videos in your possession because as always, nothing beats the original!

3 out of 5

Monty Python's Spamalot
Lyrics And Music: Eric Idle
Composer: John du Prez
Director: Mike Nichols
Official Site: www.montypythonsspamalot.com