by Chris Price

“LOVELY SPAM! Lovely spam. LOVELY SPAM!” went the Monty Python song, capturing in a couple of words the marvelously juvenile humour which made the surreal troupe rulers of the comedy world for so long.

Spamalot focuses on a ruler of a different sort but with the same triumphant comedy of the film it is “lovingly ripped off from,” according to the brochure, Monty Python and The Holy Grail.

Starring as Arthur King of the Britons will be comedian, TV and radio presenter Phill Jupitus, who will no doubt bring to the show the bellowing sarcastic wit which makes him such a favourite on Never Mind The Buzzcocks and QI.

He won over sceptics to his stage abilities with his portrayal of Edna Turnblad in the West End production of Hairspray in 2009. He stars alongside EastEnders legend Todd Carty, with classic Python video appearances from Eric Idle as God.

Catch the show at Dartford’s Orchard Theatre from Monday, April 4, to Saturday, April 9.