The ridiculous and pun-filled humour in Stratford Festival’s 2023 production of Monty Python’s Spamalot is a hilarious musical comedy from Eric Idle and John Du Prez that is directed by Lezlie Wade and Choreographed by Jesse Robb. With elements from the 1975 motion picture “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”, this one has a whole new flavour of obscurity that is combined with incredible performances, toe-tapping dance numbers, intricate stage elements, and vibrant costuming that is fit for royalty or maybe a dominatrix.
The story revolves around King Arthur and his eccentric bunch of Knights of the Round Table who go in search of the elusive Holy Grail. It is completely bonkers, as we all know that nothing always goes to plan in life. Nonetheless, we are here for the laughs and all the mishaps!
Jonathan Goad leads this impressive production, playing King Arthur, with Eddie Glen as his submissive squire, Patsy. Included are: Aaron Krohn (Sir Lancelot), Trevor Patt (Sir Robin) and Liam Tobin as Sir Dennis Galahad. Also to note, many of the actors played multiple roles, which was most impressive.
You'll be in for plenty of surprises that will literally and figuratively moo-ve you (yes a terrible pun inserted intentionally, you’ll know why after seeing Spamalot). There are also catchy musical numbers that will have you singing along with the multitude of talent that graces the stage from many of Stratford’s finest performers.
Highlights:
👉All and I mean ALL the groan-worthy puns!
👉The French Taunter whose insults you could slice with a baguette.
👉Knights Who Say "Ni" (couldn’t stop laughing!)
👉“He Is Not Dead Yet” was performed so brilliantly.
👉The spicy, sultry and spunky “Lady of the Lake” played by Kimberly-Ann Truong
👉Eddie Glen who played Patsy felt like he was meant to be born on stage, as his comedic timing was perfect.
And more (but I’m not spoiling anything else!)
The level of mockery that you’ll hear and see on the stage is done in the usual Monty Python style and so there are no shortage of laughs that may seem a little uncomfortable if you’re not familiar with the dry British humour.
There are plenty of ideological themes throughout that may offend as well, but like many musicals from Stratford, this performance gets some tweaks with clear messages of love and humanity tossed in for good measure, something that is definitely rattled in today’s world.
And so my friends, with that gentle warning, I would encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and see Spamalot at the Stratford Festival’s lovely Avon Theatre.
On a personal note, this was a great way to spend our upcoming 15th anniversary together, as my husband and I are big Monty Python fans and love finding any reason to go and see performances in Stratford! It’s really our home away from home.
By audience demand, more shows have been added. Truly another production that deserves much praise and multiple viewings!
Go in with an open mind and heart and always look on the bright side of life.
💜Official website for more info and tickets: https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/
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