Lovingly ripped off from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot brings its galloping coconuts, dancing nuns, killer rabbits and Knights Who Say Ni to the stage at the Orchard Theatre this week.

The new production from Selladoor Productions and Mercury Theatre Colchester gives Python fans the chance to join King Arthur as he travels with his hapless Knights of the Round Table on a divine mission to locate the illusive Holy Grail.

The winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best New Musical, the show is written by Python legend Eric Idle, alongside John DuPrez, famous for his work on Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life.

Composer John DuPrez said: “My favourite scene is when Arthur sings I’m All Alone with Patsy right next to him throughout and the Lady of the Lake finally comes on and says he’s not alone, she’s been with him all the time.”

DETAILS

Spamalot, originally written by Python Eric Idle, will be at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford, until Saturday, April 28. For tickets from £22, visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call 01322 220000.

SPAMALOT FACTS

1. The giant foot in Monty Python’s Flying Circus, which makes a re-appearance on stage in Spamalot ,is the foot of Cupid from the Renaissance painting Venus, Cupid, Folly and Time by the Italian master, Bronzino.

2. Spam - junk emails you get - was named after the classic Python sketch where everything on the café menu is Spam-based.

3. In 2007, 5,567 people and the Spamalot cast became the largest ever coconut orchestra clip-clopping to Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.