THE Athenaeum Masqueraders, the town's resident musical theatre group, presents Monty Python’s Spamalot at the end of the month, a show described by its writer Eric Idle as ‘lovingly ripped off from Monty Python and the Holy Grail’.

Director James Finbow says “We were lucky enough to be granted the license on its first outing to non-professional groups.

“We’ve been rehearsing since the start of June, and rehearsals have been incredible fun, descending into hysterical laughter at several points, but tempered with lots of hard work. The cast have done a sterling job in learning a lot in a short space of time, and we’re at that point now where we’re starting to run the show while polishing off the finer details.

“I think we can all agree that 2016 has not been the happiest of years for so many reasons, from more celebrity deaths than anyone thought possible, right through to the BBC losing the Great British Bake Off. Spamalot is the perfect antidote. You’ll forget your troubles for a few hours, have a good laugh from start to finish, and leave the Athenaeum feeling happier than you did at the start."

For the first time, the Masqueraders are producing the show with a sponsor, Farnfields Solicitors, who have an office in Warminster. Senior partner Susan Lacey, says, “Farnfields is a local law firm and we are absolutely delighted to be the main sponsor for such an iconic show. We wish the Athenaeum Masqueraders the very best of luck for what will be a very entertaining performance – we can’t wait to see it!”

Spamalot runs from October 26-29, with 7.30pm shows on week nights and a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday, when the evening curtain goes up later, at 8pm, to people can watch Warminster Carnival pass outside the theatre first.

Tickets are on sale ranging from £10 to £12 depending on seating, £10 on opening night, from 01985 213891 10am-1pm or www.theath.org.uk.