Spamalot Week: Interview: Stephen Tompkinson, currently playing King Arthur

Stephen Tompkinson is currently playing  King Arthur in Monty Python’s Spamalot at The Playhouse Theatre. The show marks Stephen's musical theatre debut.

As one of the country’s most popular actors for over 20 years, Stephen has appeared on stage in Love’s Labour’s Lost, Arsenic and Old Lace, Rattle of a Simple Man, Art and The Revengers Tragedy, while his TV roles have included Drop The Dead Donkey, Ballykissangel, Wild At Heart and DCI Banks.

A couple of weeks ago I was asked to make a small cameo appearance in a performance of Spamalot. Before the show I popped into Stephen's dressing room to talk all things Spamalot, alternate career paths and advice for aspiring actors...

Are you enjoying your time in Spamalot?

Absolutely loving it! It’s great! I saw the original version when it was a big Broadway musical which, because of the size of it, kept the audience at arm's length. This new production has returned to Spamalot’s roots in the way that the Pythons would have performed with lots of quick changes and silly voices which make the audience feel much more involved. The show has been reclaimed for a British audience with topical references and so on. The show works so well in the Playhouse Theatre, the band are in the pit which makes a massive difference – in other productions they’ve been up in the wings - it’s more traditional this way. 

Spamalot Week: My West End Debut... (Part 1)

Since launching West End Frame nearly a year ago I have had the opportunity to do some amazing things but back in November, when I received an email inviting me to play a walk on part in the West End production of Spamalot, I really did have to read the email a few times for it to sink in.

Time flew by and before I knew it I was arriving at the stage door of the glorious Playhouse Theatre feeling slightly terrified. As I was taken backstage I was greeted by Stephen Tompkinson, who plays King Arthur in the show. He reassured me that I had nothing to worry about. I nipped into costume for a quick fitting before being whisked onto the stage a few minutes before the cast arrived for their warm up. 

It was so strange looking out into the empty theatre which suddenly seemed huge. Last time I was there it was for Spamalot's glamorous press night and I suddenly realised how easy my job is. The cast gradually arrived for their physical and vocal warm up, I felt exhausted just watching. Everyone was so welcoming which really helped to calm my nerves.

Then I was greeted by Musical Director Gareth Weedon. Although he was busy giving the cast notes ahead of the performance he found time for a quick photoshoot in the wings (you can see all the behind the scenes photos on Friday).

Review: Spamalot at the Playhouse Theatre

Spamalot
Playhouse Theatre
Tuesday 20th November 2012 (Press Night)

"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, not to mention cows, killer rabbits and French people. The show features fantastic tunes more magical than a Camelot convention, including He Is Not Dead Yet, Knights of the Round Table, Find Your Grail and of course Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life."

Spamalot is one of the greatest musical comedies I have ever seen. At one point I thought the two ladies sitting next to me would have to be taken out of the theatre on stretchers as they literally did not stop screaming with laughter from beginning to end.