Spamalot, Mayflower, Southampton (From Bournemouth Echo)

Spamalot, Mayflower, Southampton

10:37pm Tuesday 27th July 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

YOU don’t need an encyclopaedic knowledge of the works of Monty Python to enjoy this stage adaptation of their film about King Arthur’s quest for the Holy Grail.

And even if you do possess such knowledge, there’s still plenty to surprise and delight you as old favourites like the Knights Who Say Ni rub shoulders with gags about Susan Boyle and Cheryl Cole.

And neophytes may be baffled on occasion, but are in for a treat, because the Python gang’s surreal humour has stood the test of time very well indeed.

Comedian Marcus Brigstocke strikes just the right note as a likeable Arthur, while Todd Carty seems born to play his world-weary servant Patsy – and proves to have a decent singing voice, too.

It’s very much an ensemble cast, and there isn’t a weak link among them, though former soap star Hayley Tamaddon comes close to stealing the show. As the diva-like Lady of the Lake, she’s a revelation, and a really good singer, to boot.

There aren’t many musicals as madcap as this one, or as much fun. And if there are, I bet they don’t have killer rabbits.

Catch it while you can. But if you do miss it, well, always look on the bright side of life…