Laugh-a-Lot

The first time I saw Spamalot last November, when my wife gave me it as a birthday present, I laughed a lot. This week, I went again and laughed even more – not because I was on my own but because I saw so much more.

And this was not just because of my better seat position but because I took in so much more of what was going on, the little bits of business from individual cast members help to make the show a visual treat.

You don’t have to be a Monty Python fan to enjoy an evening at the Palace Theatre, you just have to have a sense of humour and this really is a show that can grow on you.

Spamalot is about King Arthur as he travels the land, with his loyal servant Patsy, attempting to recruit Knights for his Round Table in Camelot and help him in his quest for the Holy Grail. Along his way he comes across a wide and wild range of people and objects that help or hinder his trail.

Last night was the first night for Alan Dale taking the lead part. You would not have thought that his recent roles in Ugly Betty, The O.C., Lost, 24, The West Wing and E-Ring, lent any support for attempting a Monty Python-based character. However, as he gets further into the piece, like any other lead, he will add his own style, grins and asides. Judging from audience reaction he was an audibly popular choice for King Arthur.

Other stars well worth mentioning include: Nina Söderquist, as The Lady of the Lake, she has a great singing range and is obviously versatile; and Jake Nightingale, as Sir Lancelot, who was really into his role.

I will not spoil the treat that awaits you when you go to see Spamalot - which is a must – but look out for the scenes in the plague village and the visit to Camelot, which is decked out like a Las Vegas casino (along with very attractive showgirls).

In Act II the trip through ‘a very expensive forest’ brings about the Monty Python classic ditty ‘Always look on the bright side of Life’ – if you don’t end up singing along with the cast then or at the end of the show then you really are missing out!