Eric Idle & Warwick Davis to star in Spamalot at the Hollywood Bowl

It has been announced that Eric Idle will star in Monty Python's Spamalot at the Hollywood Bowl this summer. 

According to the L.A. Times, the production will also star Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Craig Robinson, Merle Dandridge and Warwick Davis. It will run between 31st July and 2nd August 2015 with direction from B.T. McNicholl.

Idle wrote the book and lyrics to Spamalot, but has never appeared live in the show. He will take on the role of the Historian. 

Robinson (The Office) will star as King Arthur alongside Ferguson (Modern Family) as Sir Robin and  Dandridge (Rent) as the Lady of the Lake. Davis will play Patsy, reprising his performance from the West End revival.

Joe Tracini cast alongside his father in Spamalot

It has been announced that Joe Tracini (Hollyoaks / Coming of Age) will take over from Todd Carty as Patsy in the UK Tour of Spamalot from 11th May 2015.

Tracini will star alongside his father Joe Pasquale who has extended his run as King Arthur in the show. 

Joe Tracini said: "When I was little, I had three dreams for when I grew up… to be in a musical, to work with my Dad, and to bang two halves of a coconut together on a nightly basis. 

"Playing Patsy in Spamalot is making all of them come true at once. I'm honoured that I'm being trusted with the part, to sing the classic song 'Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life,' and to be joining such a brilliant company. Come and see us please, it's funnier if you're there."

Review: Spamalot (UK Tour) at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Spamalot (UK Tour)

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Reviewed on Monday 13th April 2015

★★★★★

Spamalot is one of the funniest musicals ever written. Regardless of whether you are a Monty Python fan or not, Spamalot provides an evening of pure escapism and is thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end as King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table embark on a quest to find The Holy Grail.

Sarah Earnshaw replaces Bonnie Langford in Spamalot 2015 UK Tour

Sarah Earnshaw will reprise her performance as The Lady of the Lake in the 2015 UK Tour of Spamalot. She replaces the previously announced Bonnie Langford who will continue to star in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. 

Earnshaw, whose West End credits include Wicked and Scrooge, joins Joe Pasquale as King Arthur and Todd Carty as Patsy. The tour opens on 15th January 2015 at the Manchester Opera House. Earnshaw, Pasquale and Carty are confirmed to appear until 14th March 2015 at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking.

The cast also includes Will Hawksworth as Sir Robin, Richard Kent as Prince Herbert, Richard Meek as Sir Galahad, Josh Wilmott as Sir Bedevere, Jamie Tyler as Sir Lancelot, Daniel Cane, Abigail Climer, Matthew Dale and Holly Easterbrook. Inez Mackenzie, Ste Clough and Richard Astbury complete the cast as swings.

Joe Pasquale, Bonnie Langford & Todd Carty to star in Spamalot 2015 UK Tour

Spamalot will launch a new UK Tour in 2015 with Joe Pasquale, Bonnie Langford and Todd Carty reprising their performances as King Arthur, The Lady of The Lake and Patsy.

Lovingly ripped off from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot follows King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table in their quest to find the Holy Grail. Spamalot originally ran in the West End at the Palace Theatre between 2006 and 2009. 

Following its first UK Tour, a new production of the musical opened at the West End’s Harold Pinter Theatre in July 2012 before transferring to the Playhouse Theatre from November 2012 where it ran until April 2014.

Joe said: "I loved my time as King Arthur in the West End production. I am very excited to have been asked to return for the new UK Tour. I will be joining a fantastic Spamalot cast and can't wait to get back on my invisible horse as we search the land for The Holy Grail."

Editor's Blog: Greetings from Broadway!

Schoenfeld Theatre, home of Bridges

Greetings from Broadway! 

I've been in NYC for four days now and I'm nearly half way through my busy theatre schedule! The best thing I've seen so far is The Bridges Of Madison County which is one of the best pieces of theatre I've ever seen. I had absolutely no idea what to expect, but quickly fell in love with Jason Robert Brown's stunning score, the beautiful staging and tremendous cast.

Aladdin was good, although I'm not sure whether it lives up to its hype - it's very predictable and takes few risks. However, the magic carpet was breathtaking and the Genie's big number 'Friend Like Me' was insanely brilliant, with both moments concluding with mid-show standing ovations. Pippin was spectacular and thought provoking while Newsies features some of the best choreography I've ever seen on stage.

Interview: Daniel Boys

Daniel Boys recently joined the West End production of Spamalot at the Playhouse Theatre as Sir Lancelot. 

Lovingly ripped off from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot follows King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table in their quest to find the Holy Grail. Spamalot originally ran in the West End at the Palace Theatre between 2006 and 2009. Following a UK Tour a new production of the musical opened at the West End’s Harold Pinter Theatre in July 2012 before transferring to the Playhouse Theatre from November 2012.

Daniel Boys is best known for coming sixth place on Any Dream Will Do and for starring as Princeton and Rod in the West End production of Avenue Q for over two years at the Noel Coward and Gielgud Theatres.

His theatre credits also include: The Opinion Makers (Mercury Colchester/Derby), High Society (Tour), Tommy (Prince Edward), Godspell (Palace Manchester), The Importance of Being Earnest (Theatre Royal, Windsor), Ordinary Days, Wolfboy (both at Trafalgar Studios), Sweeney Todd (Royal Festival Hall), Rent (Prince of Wales/Tour), The War of the Worlds (Tour), Grease (Victoria Palace/Tour), West Side Story (Tour) and Sunset Boulevard (Tour). 

Daniel is the international voice of the Neighbours theme tune for Channel Five / Network 10. He released his debut solo album, So Close, in 2009 which led to him performing in LA, Adelaide and Sydney. Recently I spoke to Daniel about why he was so nervous about joining Spamalot, how it feels to be back in the West End and why the novelty of singing the Neighbours theme tune will never wear off… 

How did you feel about joining Spamalot?

I was actually really nervous – the most nervous I’ve ever felt being in a show for some reason. It’s going ok and I seem to get nice feedback from people. I’m relieved the first few shows are out the way and I can now try to enjoy it. It’s such a fun show and a joy to be in!

Spamalot to conclude West End run, Headlong's 1984 transfers to Playhouse

It has been confirmed that the West End production of Spamalot will conclude its run at the Playhouse Theatre on Saturday 12th April. Headlong's 1984 will transfer to the Playhouse following its run at the Almeida Theatre from 28th April.

Daniel Boys joins Spamalot

It has been confirmed that Bonnie Langford will return to the West End production of Spamalot as The Lady of the Lake from Monday 24th February 2014. The production has extended to 12th April 2014.

Also joining the cast is Daniel Boys, star of BBC1’s Any Dream Will Do, and stage shows including Rent, War Of The Worlds and Avenue Q, who takes on the role of Sir Lancelot from 24th February. As well as having released his solo album So Close in 2009, Daniel performed I Know Him So Well with John Barrowman on his album Music, Music, Music, and he also sings the theme tune on the TV show, Neighbours.

Fresh from her appearance on the current series of ITV1’s Dancing on Ice, where Bonnie Langford yet again proved to the nation that she’s a natural born entertainer, she brings her own brand of showbiz glamour back to the stage as she is reunited with Joe Pasquale who returned to the role of King Arthur last month. Bonnie and Joe starred together in Spamalot last summer after Bonnie contacted Joe on Twitter, invited him to see her in the show and then suggested to the producers that he’d be a great King Arthur.

Interview: Chris Jenkins, currently in Spamalot

Chris Jenkins is currently in the West End production of Spamalot at the Playhouse Theatre. He performs in the ensemble whilst understudying Sir Galahad, Sir Bedevere and Sir Lancelot.

Lovingly ripped off from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot follows King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table in their quest to find the Holy Grail. Spamalot originally ran in the West End at the Palace Theatre between 2006 and 2009. Following a UK Tour a new production of the musical opened at the West End’s Harold Pinter Theatre in July 2012 before transferring to the Playhouse Theatre from November 2012.

Chris’ theatre credits include: South Pacific (Barbican/UK Tour), The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Gielgud Theatre), Jamie Wellerste in The Last 5 Years (Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury), Larry Foreman in The Cradle Will Rock (Arcola Theatre), Roméo et Juliette, Simon Boccanegra and Aida (Royal Opera House), Adraste in Moliere's The Sicilian (tour), John Milton in workshop of Devil's Advocate (Upstairs at the Gatehouse), Peter Pan (Liverpool Empire), Callum in Super Alice Smith (Trafalgar Studios), Bobby Duval in the World Premiere of new Big Band musical Come Fly With Me, Prince Tarrogan in Tickledom (Wales Millennium Centre) and Demetrius/Fight Director in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Welsh Tour).

I recently went backstage at the Playhouse Theatre and spoke to Chris about Spamalot’s success, dramatic understudy moments and what he looks for in a dream role…

You’ve been in Spamalot for just over a year now, are you still enjoying it?

Yes! It’s one of those shows where you can just sit back and chill out because the show does the work itself. Spamalot’s a show you can have a laugh with because it’s such great material. When you have an audience who are really going with you you’re literally riding on the wave of their laughs, and when you do less they seem to love it even more. That’s what is so great about it! This is the first big comedy I’ve ever done so it has been a really big learning curve. I’m still really enjoying it because the show changes all the time, we’ve had so many cast changes which always keeps it fresh. 

Professor Brian Cox to play God in Spamalot this week

Renowned TV presenter and physicist, Professor Brian Cox, will follow in the footsteps of Hugh Bonneville, Michael Palin, Barbara Windsor, Larry Lamb, Bradley Walsh, Simon Callow, Gary Lineker, Michael Ball and Christopher Biggins this week as he plays God in the West End production of Spamalot at the Playhouse Theatre.

The pre-recorded cameo role features in Spamalot when King Arthur and the Knights of The Round Table are given their quest to find The Holy Grail. Brian Cox will appear as God from tonight (20th January) until Saturday 26th January.

Professor Cox.said: “It is a reasonable no brainer. If Eric Idle says to you ‘do you want to be God in Spamalot?’ then I’d be surprised if anybody had ever said no.”

Joe Pasquale returns to Spamalot

Actor and comedian Joe Pasquale, who was recently seen on Dancing On Ice, will return to Spamalot as King Arthur from Monday 20th January 2014. Carley Stenson, who joined the Monty Python musical last November, continues as The Lady of The Lake.

Joe said: "I loved my time as playing King Arthur in Spamalot last year. I am very excited to have been asked to return. I will be joining a fantastic cast and can't wait to get started later this month."

Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and features a bevy (or possibly a brace) of beautiful show girls, witch burnings (cancelled due to health and safety) not to mention cows, killer rabbits and French people. 

Monty Python announce details for one-off stage show at the O2 Arena

The five surviving members of Monty Python have confirmed that they will reunite for a one-off stage show on Tuesday 1st July 2014 at the O2 Arena. 

Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and John Cleese announced the news at a press conference held at the Playhouse Theatre (current home to Monty Python musical Spamalot) this morning (20th November).

The show marks the first time that the five surviving members will perform together in 40 years. Tickets go on sale on Monday 25th November. The show will be directed by Eric Idle, with animations by Terry Gilliam and choreography from Arlene Phillips.

Casts of Matilda, Spamalot & The Commitments to perform during Children In Need tonight!

The West End casts of Matilda The Musical, Spamalot and The Commitments will perform during Children in Need's 2013 Appeal Night which is broadcast tonight (15th November 2013) from 7:30pm on BBC One. Sir Terry Wogan, Tess Daly, Fearne Cotton, Zoe Ball and Nick Grimshaw will play host to some of the biggest names in music, comedy and entertainment including: One Direction, Doctor Who, Harry Hill, and cast of Call The Midwife. 

British sporting legends Torvill & Dean will perform in the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom whilst the cast of EastEnders will put on a special performance featuring a plethora of dance styles from Bollywood to ballroom, live in Albert Square. Since 1980 Children in Need, the BBC’s UK charity, has raised over £600 million to change the lives of disadvantaged and young people across the UK. Click here to donate.

Carley Stenson joins Spamalot as The Lady of the Lake

Carley Stenson (pictured right) joins the West End production of Spamalot at the Playhouse Theatre from tonight (4th November) as The Lady of the Lake, taking over from Bonnie Langford. 

The former Hollyoaks star has previously played Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (Savoy), Princess Fiona in Shrek (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane) and most recently made her Edinburgh Fringe debut in the UK premiere of [title of show].

Carley: “I’ve always enjoyed performing on the West End stage and I’m very much looking forward to joining the Spamalot cast and being part of such a much loved production.”

Michael Ball becomes the latest celebrity to play God in Spamalot

Theatrical legend Michael Ball has kicked off the new season of Celebrity Charity Gods in the West End production of Spamalot at the Playhouse Theatre. Other celebs who have filmed the short cameo role and will appear in the musical over the coming weeks include: Professor Brian Cox, Greg Dyke, Robert Lindsay and Gary Lineker. 

Les Dennis, Michael Ball and Bonnie Langford

Over the summer God was played by the likes of Michael Palin, Hugh Bonneville, Barbara Windsor, Larry Lamb, Bradley Walsh, Simon Callow and Christopher Biggins. God, usually played by Eric Idle, features in Spamalot when King Arthur and the Knights of The Round Table are given their quest to find The Holy Grail.

Editor's Blog: Return visits to Spamalot and Wicked, and saying goodbye to The Color Purple

As a reviewer, night after night I see brand new productions of shows that I sometimes know very little about. Therefore occasionally it’s nice to arrive at the theatre knowing exactly what to expect. 

On Tuesday evening (24th October) I attended a special gala performance of Spamalot as Life’s Too Short co-stars Les Dennis and Warwick Davis have joined the cast as King Arthur and Pasty. Their casting is utter genius and, having seen the show several times over the past twelve months, it’s interesting to see how the pair have made the roles their own.

Warwick Davis & Les Dennis

Spamalot is a show which is happy to adapt for its cast members, something which is actually quite rare in the West End. Often long running shows like new cast members to be carbon copies of their predecessors, but Spamalot is a show which embraces change therefore keeping the musical, which is ‘lovingly ripped off’ from Monty Python’s The Holy Grail, feeling fresh and relevant. 

Bonnie Langford is still just as fearless as The Lady of the Lake and it was fantastic to, once again, see her perform opposite Chris Jenkins as Sir Galahad. I could watch them perform their hysterical duet ‘A Song That Goes Like This’ all day and I would still find it hilarious.

After seeing the horrifically awful Barking In Essex at the Wyndham’s Theatre last week I found myself in some desperate need of some theatre therapy... so I booked a trip to see Wicked. I am thrilled to report that (once again) the show restored my faith in theatre and I am still buzzing after watching one of the best performances of the smash hit musical that I’ve ever seen.

Spamalot extends West End run to February 2014, Michael Palin to play God

Michael Palin as God

It has been announced that Monty Python legend, Michael Palin, has decided to "fart in the general direction" of fellow Python legend, Eric Idle, when he appears as God on screen in Monty Python’s Spamalot, this summer at The Playhouse Theatre to raise money for charity. The musical has also extended its current run at the Playhouse Theatre until 8th February 2014. 

Palin follows in the footsteps of Hugh Bonneville, Barbara Windsor, Larry Lamb, Bradley Walsh, Simon Callow and Christopher Biggins who have also filmed the part of God. The role of God features in Spamalot when King Arthur and the Knights of The Round Table are given their quest to find The Holy Grail. 

‘The Summer of Spamalot Charity Gods’ has been created to raise-a-lot of shillings for several charities including Headley Court Rehabilitation Centre, The Make A Wish Foundation, the Great Ormond Street Hospital, Scene & Heard, Stage For Age and Keats Community Library which are supported by the actors who are playing God.

Confirmed: Les Dennis and Warwick Davis to star as King Arthur and Pasty in Spamalot

It has been confirmed that Les Dennis and his Life’s Too Short co-star Warwick Davis will star in Monty Python’s Spamalot as King Arthur and Patsy.

Les Dennis has starred in Chicago, Me and My Girl, Hairspray and Legally Blonde The Musical while Spamalot will mark Warwick Davis’ West End debut.

Les Dennis said: "As a kid I was always a massive fan of Monty Python so when Spamalot came to town I thought 'I'd really love to be in that'. And now I'm excited that I'm actually not just in it, but playing the lead role. I'm really looking forward to always looking on the bright side of life!"

Warwick Davis said: "I'm delighted to be making my West End debut at the Playhouse Theatre. I've been in hit TV shows and blockbuster Hollywood movies, but you are never really taken seriously as an actor until you've done a play. That's why I jumped at the opportunity to play Patsy in Spamalot."

Theatre Gossip: Les Dennis and Warwick Davis to join Spamalot?

According to Whats On Stage, Extras co-stars Les Dennis and Warwick Davis are set to join the West End production of Spamalot at the Playhouse Theatre. The website claims that Les Dennis will join the show next month as King Arthur while Warwick Davis will join him from September as Patsy. Please remember this gossip has not yet been confirmed.

The role of Pasty was famously played by Todd Carty while King Arthur has been played by the likes of Joe Pasquale, Stephen Tompkinson, Jon Culshaw and Marcus Brigstocke. Les Dennis has previously appeared in the West End productions of Chicago, Me and My Girl and Eurovision spoof musical Eurobeat. He has also starred in touring productions of High School Musical and Legally Blonde. It was recently announced that Warwick Davis will star in Pantomime at the Milton Keynes Theatre this Christmas, meaning he would only be in the West End show for a limited engagement.