Monty Python's Spamalot Highlights: the return of LAODS' acclaimed and anarchic production
- Jack Davey
- 44 minutes ago
- 3 min read
19 June 2026 I 19:30 I Lincoln Arts Centre I PR - Invite
You think you know the tales of Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table? Well think again! First brought to life by Monty Python's Eric Idle and John Du Prez, LAODS present Spamalot, an encore run at Lincoln Arts Centre after their acclaimed production first seen in 2016.
Inspired by the English legend, Spamalot parodies the journey of King Arthur, alongside his knights and trusty dogsbody Patsy, on their quest to find the Holy Grail. Although as they encounter mythical beings and killer rabbits, their mission becomes somewhat side-tracked...
The fascinating thing about this show is that it's very aware of its own theatricality. It is never designed to be a 'well-made' musical, with deliberate hiccups added for comic effect. This includes stage crew visibly moving set pieces, exaggerated slapstick humour and fourth-wall breaking gags (beware Row A!). And over the course of Act Two, the knights are required to create their own Broadway show, with references to popular musicals including Les Misérables, Fiddler On The Roof and Funny Girl.
Leading the charge is Simon Nicholson as a regal and booming-voiced King Arthur: the quest really flows through his assured stage presence. He is supported by the delightfully quirky Alan Trevor as Patsy, Arthur's 'metaphorical horse' galloping across the stage while clapping two coconut halves together. His performance of Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life has audiences singing along within an instant, both during the show and the curtain call. The love for Monty Python is evident in Lincoln, with lines from the Knights of Ni and the French Taunters being shouted back by viewers.
With previous roles as Norma Desmond (CAODS' Sunset Boulevard) and Bombalurina (LAODS' Cats), Nicola Calver relishes every second of being onstage as the Lady Of The Lake. The role asks for an outlandish, glamorous and high-maintenance leading lady, Calver matching this energy to perfection. Memorably in Diva's Lament, her vocal command will truly knock you back for six!!
There has been a sprinkling of current humour added into LAODS' production, since Spamalot's Broadway debut in 2004. This includes a hysterical reaction to an extremely orange Donald Trump, who enters the stage and attempts to join the show! There is also reference to the latest Wicked film, as Sir Galahad 'toss tosses' a most majestic wig. Matt Waldeck endows Galahad with impressive charm (and vanity!), consistently making a strong impression in group numbers with outstanding musicality.
Those who know Monty Python will understand that their style of humour is equal parts old-fashioned and controversial. There are a couple of eye-twitch moments, but you can hardly knock the spirit of the LAODS ensemble. Especially the Laker Girls, who light up the stage with enthusiasm and dynamic choreography by Rachel Dodson and Katie Cheetham. With cameos from 12-foot wooden rabbits, a video-recording of Eric Idle, and perhaps the cutest dog in the entire world (yes, a real dog called Button!), Spamalot, directed by Stacey Carr, is a positively anarchic and inspiring display of talent from LAODS once again!
P.S. Make sure to enter the raffle as you enter the auditorium, and *snap* up a programme to discover LAODS' 2027 musical...
