Liverpool-Live

Opening with a daft Finnish fish slapping dance it is clear from the off that we are in for a night of very silly comedy. The story follows a very similar plot to that of the popular 1974 film with King Arthur on a mission to recruit knights to his round table and to embark on an ultimate quest to find the Holy Grail.

Three of the main touring cast returned in the form of Marcus Brigstock as King Arthur, Todd Carty as his trusty coconut wielding Patsy and the quite fantastic Jodie Prenger who reprises her role of the Lady of the Lake.

Jokes are kept fresh based on current headlines and celebrities but some of the gags did fall a bit flat at times. The biggest laughs came at the French castle, already the funniest scene in the play, as giggles were multiplied by a moustache malfunction and some brilliant ad-libbing. The black knight and the knights that say 'Ni' sketches are perfect, with the latter providing more ab-lib laughter among the cast.

You do however get the impression that writer Eric Idle received limited support from his fellow Python members for this stage version and it could be spectacular with some of Terry Gilliam's wacky animation.

Jodie Prenger, most famous for winning TV talent show 'I'd do anything', steals the show with her over the top diva antics in the ironic Lloyd Webber parody's 'The Song That Goes Like This' and 'The Diva's Lament'

It did feel like pantomime at times with the song and dance joined by jokes about the Royals, a sing a long 'Always look on the bright side of life' shoe-horned in from the Life of Brian and a wedding at the end. If you take it for what it is Python(esque) and therefore very silly then you'll have a great time. Just watch out for the killer rabbit

SPAMALOT runs at the Empire Theatre until Sat 21 Jan. To book Tickets call 0844 847 2525 or visit the Empire website

WORDS: Rich Denton
PHOTOS: Jamie McAleny (@digitalplantpot)