SPAMALOT AT THE NEW VICTORIA THEATRE WOKING

Firstly, I need to get this out of the way: You don't need to know the 'Dead Parrot Sketch' word for word to enjoy this show, though, the many people I seem to have worked with in the past who do (and I know this because it was quoted around me, constantly) will still enjoy it immensely. Phew! Now that is said and out in the open, we can move on.

Spamalot returned tonight (6 February) at The New Victoria Theatre Woking. Having seen the film Monty Python and The Holy Grail which they admit to having lovingly ripped off for this show written by Eric Idle and John Du Prez I wondered how this would translate to stage.

The show has the initial feel of the Victorian music nights mixed with panto but the absurd Pythonesque humour quickly asserts itself to show their own unique style. 

Its a big ask of a cast to take on roles played by such iconic comic actors but this company do it so well. The household names of Todd Carty and Bonnie Langford bring their unique talents and despite the parodies of West End style show songs Bonnie Langford's vocal abilities are really amazing whilst keeping the comic twist to the fore.

Todd Carty as the Patsy to King Arthur fulfills so well the role of 'trusty sidekick' slapping his coconuts together with aplomb.Robin Armstrong as Arthur and the cast of knights bring the roles to life with brilliant comic timing and the appearance of God in old style Python is welcome as well as the references to contemporary culture which bring the play up to date to an audience that may not be familiar with the style of a Monty Python show.

There really are too many comic moments to pick out one in particular, but the mention a few times of the dark ages and shining a light in dark times did seem quite poignant too, bearing in mind the time of year, the weather and the economic situation this really is a night out full of belly laughs and will definitely cheer anyone up; and, after all anything where the whole theatre joins in to 'Always Look On The Bright Side of Life' has got to be good.

If you can get a ticket to see this, you definitely won't be disappointed, and if you go with a Parrot Sketch bore, at least you'll get a couple of hours respite and possibly, something else for them to talk about and, that just can't be bad either.