Spamalot theatre royal bath

WE LAUGHED so much at this that it seemed a little odd, in the interval, to find ourselves discussing the question: would we find this funny if we'd never heard of Monty Python?

The answer we came to, of course, was Yes. Because things like the Knights who say Ni, a rabbit as an animal with fearsome killing power and riding an imaginary steed are just so funny it's impossible not to laugh.

The very English humour that pervades this show, and the genre, has brought so many national catchphrases to the language that knowledge of Python lore should surely be one of those odd tests administered to wannabee Britons.

Some, like us, may have struggled initially with Joe Pasquale as King Arthur. He's not as dominating a personality as Graham Chapman (well, few people are), perhaps more grammar school boy than minor public school, but he grew on us. Squire Patsy is played on this tour by his real-life son Joe Tracini, who was great, bringing just the right mix of self-assurance and winsomeness.

Monty Python's Spamalot clearly had legions of fans in Monday night's audience, just waiting for their favourite bits from Monty Python and the Holy Grail (from which it is, writer Eric Idle admits, lovingly ripped off) to come up. In the most part, they were not disappointed, though I was left waiting in vain for my favourite rat-on-a-stick moment.

Sarah Earnshaw really belts out the numbers as the Lady of the Lake; true to Python form, the songs in Spamlot, some new some old and some borrowed from other films, are every bit as funny as the dialogue, with lyrics you just have to pay attention to, even while you're laughing so hard.

The youthful and enthusiastic cast brought flavours of more modern epics to their interpretations: surely Prince Herbert's Father , as played by Richard Meek, must be a member of House Stark? Richard also created a gloriously vain Sir Galahad and a defiant-as-ever Black Knight.

Monday night in Bath gave a lead role to ensemble member Daniel Cane, who stepped up to play Sir Robin and his other roles with aplomb, when the original actor was ill and unable to appear. Its a shame the theatre was not full, possibly people thinking Bank Holidays apply to the stage.It runs until Saturday.

Alison Phillips