Okay, not really. But I did have a jolly good time. Over the holidays, the better half won a theater ticket and was kind enough to pass the ticket along to me. Only one show was available for a reservation: Spamalot at the Playhouse Theatre in London. Now I have a confession. I’ve never seen Monty Python. Given this, I wasn’t sure if I would like the show or not. Fear lot Monty Python lovers, I enjoyed the it. And first thing this morning, I added the movie to my rental queue.
The show opens with a historian giving a brief rundown of medieval England. The next number is hilariously since there is some confusion and a bunch of Finnish villagers appear on the stage thinking the narrator said Finland, not England. After this number, the show gets back on “track.” At least they go back to England. It’s hard to summarize what happens in this show since it is all bizarre and in order for those who haven’t seen it, I would have to explain it scene by scene for you to follow along. I’m not going to. Here’s the gist, King Arthur and his knights have to find the Holy Grail. If you want to find out the how, why, and if they are successful I highly recommend seeing the show. You won’t believe all of the hilarity. At least I didn’t.
One of my favorite aspects of the show is that they know they are being utterly ridiculous. Not only are they mocking history, religion, and legends, they are poking fun at their own show and society today. If you aren’t paying attention you may miss many of the jokes. That isn’t to say that the show is difficult to follow. Even though they move from one absurd situation to another, it’s done seamlessly. I know I couldn’t write it. I’m doing a horrible job of telling you about it. Trust me—it’s funny! This was the first time when the show ended someone from the audience stood up and shouted bravo. I’ve seen this happen in movies, but never actually experienced it. And I’m pretty certain he wasn’t planted in the audience.
Now I need to watch the movie.
On the way to the theatre I passed this bridge and the London Eye. I think this bridge is the Hungerford Bridge, but I’m not certain. Does anyone know?
50 Year Project 
Monty Python is an acquire taste–my husband and youngest son are true fans–it can be funny but it is also rather warped. I am sure I would like it translated in live theatre rather than the movies that make the rounds at my house. That said, anything that makes you laugh is worthy (lol)
I think the warped aspect has kept me from seeing this one. But who know, I may become a fan. If not, at least I can say, “I’ve seen that. I prefer the musical.”
very upper crust!
I am so glad you had a good laugh!! I haven’t seen Monty Python in awhile. I agree with On the home front and beyond. I would like to see it in theater more so too. I think the humor may come across more vividly. Your overviews are wonderfully done 🙂
I am curious to see if I’ll like the movie. For some reason, I’ve always stayed away from it. but seeing the show piqued my curiosity.
I remember watching The Meaning of Life years ago and pretty much peeing my pants as well. They are hilarious!! Glad you enjoyed the show – I think it would be great to see live!
maybe if I like the Holy Grail one I’ll check out the Meaning of Life. I know so many people who love these movies. Probably time to get my head out of the sand and find out why.
Sounds like a fun evening. 🙂
It was. Good thing, since it was freezing out and I wouldn’t have been too please about trudging into town on such a cold night to hate the show.
I have watched the Monty Python movies – cannot say I am enamoured.
I appreciate the honesty 🙂
Live theater is so wonderful, isn’t it? Monty Python is not my cup of tea, but I’m intrigued by this. How nice that it was a freebie!
I do enjoy the theater. Used to have season tickets, but haven’t been able to do that lately. Now I try to catch a show whenever I can–and this was a fantastic opportunity. Free and entertaining!
You are in the best city for theater!
I am fortunate. Now I need to save my pennies to go to more shows.
Ahhh I saw this at my local theatre maybe a year ago? And I absolutely loved it. And I’m a huuuuuge Monty Python fan and have been since I was a young boy, having seen all 4 movies, all 4 tv series, and I even have books, CDs, and all the other things the members of Monty Python ventured off to do outside of Monty Python (to be fair, Michael Palin’s travel documentaries are interesting on their own merit).
As someone who can actually quote the movie (The Holy Grail), I was particularly pleased that Spamalot was pretty similar to the movie – the main plot and a lot of the main gags were there, but it was still tweaked significantly to suit the stage and the musical genre (although most of the songs are also in the film).
It is an acquired taste, though if you liked the musical that’s a good sign. I would say maybe stay away from The Meaning of Life though? Or at least see Holy Grail and Life Of Brian first…The Meaning of Life is a little hit and miss (they themselves said it contained their best and worst sketches, oddly).
Sigh, you get me talking about this and I don’t shut up, hahaha. Sorry 😛 Glad you liked the show, it what I was trying to say! 🙂
I’m hoping to like the movie, and like you said, since I enjoyed the show odds are good. Now can you quote the entire movie or just parts? Thanks for the tip on The Meaning of Life.
I can pretty much quote the entire movie. I watch it at least once a year for my birthday as a tradition, and normally a couple of other times a year because I feel like it. The funny thing is, even after all these years I still occasionally find something in there that I missed – a lot of the jokes recur in different points in the movie, but often in the background during new sketches and so quickly if you blink you miss them. Brilliant stuff.
You are convincing me to watch it sooner rather than later. I like the birthday tradition. I used to go hiking on my birthday but somehow got sidetracked. I need to reinstitute the tradition.
So happy you liked Spamalot. We had a chance to see it in NYC with David Hyde Pierce, but sadly not Tim Curry. Not many Python fans posting. I’ll be the one to say I love Python, and always will. I discovered them during my tweens on public television and I was immediately in love. At first I adored John Cleese but since that tender age of 12, I have worked my way through all of them and love them all now. All very amusing men. Life of Brian is great too. I used to go to midnight movie showings of Python, and people would show up with coconuts.
Such a shame you didn’t see Tim Curry–that would be something. Coconuts were in the musical. I wonder if they do midnight showings here in London. You’ve given me an idea!
Monty Python is so warped, one is forced to pay attention to get more hits than misses. Meanwhile, here’s one of my favorites from the original show of many years ago. For whatever reason, it cracks me up.
Ha. How did they come up with this stuff! Thanks for sharing the clip. Got a chuckle out of me.
Haha! I am glad you got a dose of Monty Python. I didn’t see the movies until I was in college and they were unlike anything I had seen before. They are great shows for drink alongs too.
Drink alongs–I’m sold!
I must admit I’ve not waded into the world of Monty Python. As one of the other comments indicated…it’s an “acquired taste.” With Spamalot, I’m curious to know why the reference to spam? Not sure if you’re familiar with the fact that spam is a main staple of the Hawaiian diet, having been introduced to the islands, and the rest of the country, during the war. Where others fell out of love with spam after the war, the islanders put it up on a pedestal…where it remains to this day. I am one of those devotees. I guess you’d say that spam is also an…acquired taste. 🙂
According to Wikipedia, there’s a line in the movie that says, “we eat ham, and jam and Spam a lot.” I haven’t seen the movies so I’m not positive. I think I saw an episode of Man v. Food that took place in Hawaii and spam was featured at one of the restaurants. I’ve never tried it–maybe next time I’m in Hawaii and seek out a place that knows how to serve it.
I don’t think there’s a restaurant, drive-in, or food truck in Hawaii that doesn’t serve up spam. One of the local favorites is…spam musubi. A Japanese “sandwich” it’s sliced spam sauteed in oil, soy sauce and sugar…wrapped in cooked rice and an outer wrap of dried seaweed. My mouth is watering as I type this. I’m sure you’ll agree…it’s an acquired taste. But you should try it…you might like it.
I’m willing to give it a go!
Good for your spirit of adventure! ha, ha.
I try. For me it’s all part of the fun. There are some things I don’t want to try, but the better half usually talks me into it. wasn’t a huge snail fan, but gave it a go in Spain. However, I passed on the frog legs in France. The little legs looked so cute and I just couldn’t eat the little guy.
We used to watch Monty Python when it was on TV. My husband really enjoyed it. I thought it was OK. Maybe it’s time to watch one of those movies again (years later) 🙂
If you do, let me know what you think.
I can never decide if I like Monty Python, but I love Michael Palin, he is my hero!
I’m not too familiar with him, but I’m curious to find out more.
OMG I love the films. I will fall over amazed if you don’t like them! Well, maybe not, clearly they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, but I just love the whacky humour. Can’t wait to see your film review – and don’t forget The Life of Brian!
Lynn 😀
goodness, I hope I don’t disappoint you. Fall over–make sure you are in a safe place when you read my review just in case.
My hubby is a huge Monty Python fan and I’ve had to sit through quite few of the movies. I watch it but it’s not really my cup of tea! Glad you enjoyed the show. Love that shot of the London Eye all lit up.
Sometimes I see something like the London Eye and I think, “Gosh I live here.” It’s amazing how quickly you forget things.
That sounds like so much fun.
It was!
Yaaaiii…glad you finally see Monty Phyton 🙂
I have more to watch and share. They are a bunch of wacky educated men.
ups… missing words…going to see Monty Phyton.
I would love to see an actual comedy theater one day (but the one I really one to see is of course Mighty Boosh teather)
I hope you get your wish. I would love to read your post on seeing the Mighty Boosh live. I can almost feel the excitement now 🙂
This must have been so much fun.
I like their movie Life of Brian. Sooo funny.
A lot of people are recommending Life of Brian. I need to add that to the list.
I´m a Python Fan and htought this show was brilliant – glad you enjoyed it! And yes, I think it´s Hungerford Bridge (but I wouldn´t bet my house on it) 😉
Thanks for the semi-confirmation about the bridge. I felt the same way, I’m pretty confident that it’s the bridge, but don’t quote me on it. There are so many bridges here I get them all mixed up. I’m good at spotting Tower Bridge though.
I saw that a while ago in Tauranga and I peed my pants as well. Being a fan of Monty Python I thought I would like it but I loved it.
I was struck by their creativity. How do they come up with some of that stuff?
You have never seen Holy Grail or Life of Brian? Prepare for bliss..
That’s a great recommendation–bliss.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail was my introduction during my college years and I’ve laughed long and hard over Monty Python ever since. My wife and I still quote Holy Grail lines to one another and haven’t seen the film in at least 20 years.
So happy that you enjoyed the humor of this, I imagine it was a fun experience.
It was a great experience and now I’m hoping to see the movies soon. I love this type of humor. And I love that you two quote it. That always makes it fun.
i can never think of monty python without thinking of my younger brother. he is a very self contained person and yet whenever i heard him howl with laughter, i knew what he was watching. i love them for that alone.
That is a great memory. it’s funny the things we remember and cherish.
My husband and I saw this a few years ago in Pittsburgh and LOVED it. Of course, we’re both Monty Python fans.