Raucous, surreal, irreverent and just plain daft were terms regularly used when writing about either the Monty Python comedy show or their feature films.

Thankfully, you write that and more when describing the Douglas Choral Union’s version of the musical ’Spamalot’.

Given that ’Spamalot’ is a musical version of the film ’Monty Python and the Holy Grail, written by ex-Python Eric Idle, it is no surprise that the show is unconventional, to say the least.

It is at times hilarious, barmy, wince-inducing, below-the-belt and surreal.

It is also a ridiculously-enjoyable way to spend two-and-a-bit hours.

The show features an entirely local cast, who are clearly having the time of their lives on stage.

King Arthur, played by John Snelling, and his knights, Sirs Lancelot, Bedevere, Galahad and Robin, played by Simon Fletcher, Neil Callin, Lorcan O’Mahoney and David Dawson, together with Patsy, Arthur’s trusty horse and servant, played with scene-stealing hilarity by Jack Divers, embark on a quest to find the holy grail.

Along the way, they encounter many of the famous characters from the film, including the Knights Who Say ’Ni!’, the taunting Frenchmen in the castle, the evil rabbit and the Lady of the Lake, played by Emily Coates, who is sweetness and light, until she demands more stage time, and screams at the stage director.

An appearance by a god-like Eric Idle only adds to the sense of lunacy on stage.

Ending with an inevitable rendition of ’Always Look On the Bright Side of Life’, led by an umbrella weilding Patsy, Spamalot is a terrific show and is a must see for any fan of Monty Python, mad-cap theatre, or just people who simply like daft things.

by Mike Wade

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