Spamalot, Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, March 22 to March 26 (From The Argus)

Spamalot, Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, March 22 to March 26

9:35am Thursday 24th March 2011 in Stage Reviews By Tony Flood

Spamalot, a parody of a spoof, is full of manic fun and far more than just a rip-off of Monty Python And The Holy Grail.

Even non-Python fans should enjoy this zany musical by Eric Idle and John Du Prez, which features superbly silly new lyrics, plus old favourite Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life, sung delightfully by Todd Carty.

Spamalot provides an hilarious version of how King Arthur goes in search of knights of the round table. This pantomime-like show maintains a cracking pace throughout, with Idle making a filmed appearance as God, ordering Arthur to find the Holy Gail.

Phill Jupitus is a larger-than- life King Arthur but lacks the acting skills of Carty, who is magnificent as his put-upon servant Patsy.

Jessica Martin, who hams it up as Lady Of The Lake, and Simon Lipkin (Sir Galahad) provide a wonderful duet with The Song That Goes Like This.

We are also treated to a more bizarre couple by Graham MacDuff (Sir Lancelot) and David Langham (Prince Herbert), while Samuel Holmes adds to the merriment as Sir Robin.

A brace of attractive show girls and some very rude Frenchmen round off a great evening’s entertainment.

* Tickets from £11.50. Call 01323 412000.