When Monty Python’s Flying Circus arrived at the tail end of the 1960s it shook up the staid world of revue comedy and all-singing, all-dancing entertainers with its mix of anarchic surrealism.

So some critics have commented that Eric Idle’s Spamalot has seen the once revolutionary comedy go full circle and turn into something it always stood against.

Watching the touring version of Spamalot this is true up to a point. When the stage re-enactment simply recreates scenes from the original film Monty Python And The Holy Grail it can feel like a bit of a variety show act.

And when the classic Bring Out Your Dead sketch turns into a laboured song, the material does feel like it has been stretched close to breaking point.

But what saves Spamalot and turns it into a genuine delight is the material specially penned for the show, and the impressive performances by its cast.

Anyone who previously saw the West End version is in for a treat, as writer Eric Idle has written a new song especially for the tour referencing the world of reality television and X Factor instead of the weak, very American song You Won’t Succeed On Broadway.

No expense has been spared on the production either, with the 15-strong cast being backed up by a live band.

Marcus Brigstocke is the big name heading up the cast as King Arthur, but unfortunately he often ends up as straight man to the other more colourful characters. It is only in sketches such as the Black Knight and his solo song I’m All Alone that he’s given any room to shine.

Instead the show belongs to Jodie Prenger, who squeezes a laugh out of every single line in a performance that shows her true range.

Musically her performance takes in gospel, R ’n B, and big showtunes, while her character The Lady Of The Lake is a real scene- stealer, dominating the end of the first act and providing the high point of the second with The Diva’s Lament.

Brigstocke and his trusty steed Patsy, played by Todd Carty, are surrounded by an ensemble of talented song and dance men, with Graham MacDuff making a unforgettable impression as Sir Lancelot, who is not all that he seems, and Simon Lipkin’s hair-tossing Sir Galahad is a great comic creation.

The closing audience participation and singalong of Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life does make Spamalot resemble a summer pantomime, but the show firmly comes from that tradition.

At the end of the day, anyone expecting high art or barrier-breaking comedy should look away now, but anyone up for a good laugh shouldn’t have anything to complain about.

* Tickets from £26.50, call 08448 717650