THEATRE REVIEW: Spamalot at MK Theatre

Python 'rip-off' is full of twists, laughs and silliness

These monks are struggling to look on the bright side - Spamalot is at MK Theatre until Saturday. 

The UK tour of Spamalot is at MK Theatre this week, with a host of stars to entertain the Milton Keynes audience.

Last night’s rendition of the musical comedy, lovingly ‘ripped off’ from Monty Python and The Holy Grail, was almost as funny as the original. Recounting the legendary tale of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table, it follows the Royal as he goes on an extremely unusual quest. 

Playing the king is comedian Joe Pasquale, who brought his personality to the role with hilarious off-script moments, while Joe Tracini of Hollyoaks fame was wonderfully cast as Patsy. Phonebox's June interview Sarah Earnshaw supported as The Lady of the Lake.

The second act was stronger than the first, with the tale getting sillier and sillier, with hilarious twists and fun disasters along the way. Highlights included the the French soldier's comments to King Arthur (“Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!”) and the knight who continued to fight, despite having all his limbs cut off. The cast and audience even came together for a rendition of Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life, which was a great moment.

The audience laughed and chuckled throughout the evening, and many were up on their feet clapping at the end. If you’re a Python fan, Spamalot is definitely for you.

Until Saturday, June 20th. 

SARAH CRABB

Spamalot actress speaks to us about performing at MK Theatre this week

"It's one of the best parts I've ever played"

The bright side of life - Spamalot is at MK Theatre until Saturday, June 20th. 

With more than 1,500 performances, Spamalot was seen by two million people and took $175 million in its first run in 2005. Receiving 14 Tony Award nominations, it has gone on to be performed in more than 20 countries across the planet.

A decade later, the Monty Python musical (based on the 1975 film The Holy Grail) is on the road again with a UK tour, just months after the Monty Python Live (Mostly) sell-out shows at the o2 arena. 

Having earnt her Spamalot stripes by playing the Lady of the Lake in the West End, actress Sarah Earnshaw has stepped back into the sparkly blue shoes, arriving at MK Theatre from June 15th-20th. 

Speaking from Sunderland, Sarah (pictured top right with Joe Pasquale and Joe Tracini) is having the time of her life.

“We’ve only got six weeks left of the tour and I’m having a really good time. You never get bored because you’re always moving on, acting for a new audience. It’s interesting and fun.

“I’ve been to Milton Keynes before when I’ve toured with other shows a couple of times, so I know the theatre well and the area too.”

The actress is well seasoned with being on stage, having previously starred in Wicked, Little Shop of Horrors, Jekyll and Hyde and The Royal Variety Performance, among others.

As the Lady of the Lake, Sarah gives King Arthur (played by Joe Pasquale) the iconic Excalibur sword, so he can carry on with his quest and become King.

She explains: “It’s one of the best parts I’ve ever played. She’s a woman in the middle of these crazy men, she has some of the best numbers from Andrew Lloyd Webber-type ballads to Broadway numbers. 

“She doesn’t take herself too seriously; all of it is taking the mick. She moans she has been off stage too long, but it’s fun for a few hours.”

Based on the well-known mythical tale, in Sarah’s mind Spamalot is a little bit like a sketch show.

“It’s two hours of comedy and fun, with lots of different musical numbers. I knew a bit Monty Python before I was involved, but I’ve discovered I’m quite a fan of what they have done, it tickles my funny bone.”

Tickets: £10.50 to £42 on (0844) 871 7652 or go to atgtickets.com.