Photo Flash: Spamalot Rehearsals Begin in London

Rehearsals began today, Monday, August 21st, for Monty Python's Spamalot, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical of 2005, which opens in London in October 2006.  The show will have its first performance at the Palace Theatre in London's West End on September 30th.

As rehearsals commenced Eric Idle said:  "I am proud, excited and slightly aroused to be bringing Spamalot to the West End and I hope Monty Python finally gets the recognition and the Knighthood he so obviously deserves".

Directed by Mike Nichols, Monty Python's Spamalot has music by the Grammy-winning team of John Du Prez and Eric Idle and a book by Eric Idle, "lovingly ripped-off" from the screenplay of the Pythons' best- loved film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin. The show, which continues to break box office records at the Shubert Theatre, won numerous Tony Awards--including Best Musical and Best Director (Mike Nichols).

Tim Curry returns to the London stage after an absence of over 20 years to open the London production playing King Arthur, reprising the critically acclaimed role he created on Broadway.  Christopher Sieber, who created the role of Sir Dennis Galahad on Broadway also joins the cast as well as West End Musicals performer Hannah Waddingham who plays The Lady of the Lake, David Birrell who plays Patsy, Tom Goodman-Hill who plays Sir Lancelot,  Robert Hands, Sir Robin, Tony Timberlake, Bedevere and Darren Southworth, Prince Herbert.

Monty Python's Spamalot is produced by Boyett Ostar Productions.   Visit www.montypythonsspamalot.com for tickets and more information on the London production.

Photo by Catherine Ashmore

Hannah Waddingham (The Lady in the Lake), Tim Curry (King Arthur) and Eric Idle