Ballina Players – 31/08/2025

Review by Graham Whittingham, photos by Tim Mulholland

Spamalot, lovingly ripped off from the classic 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, is a raucous, irreverent, and utterly delightful musical.

It delivers belly laughs, memorable songs, and a healthy dose of British absurdity.

Whether you’re a die-hard Monty Python fan or a newcomer to the troupe’s surreal brand of humour, Spamalot is a theatrical treat that both parodies and celebrates the grand tradition of musical theatre.

Created by Eric Idle (of Monty Python fame), with music by Idle and John Du Prez, Spamalot takes the skeletal plot of the original film — King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail — and transforms it into a meta-theatrical extravaganza. 

Along the way, it gleefully skewers Broadway conventions, from over-the-top ballads to synchronised dance numbers, with tongue planted firmly in cheek.

One of the production’s greatest strengths is its self-awareness. 

It breaks the fourth wall with abandon, pokes fun at itself, and playfully mocks the very idea of what a musical should be. 

Numbers like The Song That Goes Like This hilariously send up romantic showtunes, while You Won’t Succeed on Broadway (If You Don’t Have Any Jews) is a witty, satirical nod to the industry’s long history.

The humour is rapid-fire and layered — from clever wordplay and puns to slapstick and surreal non-sequiturs.

Fans of the original film will find many beloved moments intact, including the killer rabbit, the French taunter, the Black Knight (“It’s only a flesh wound!”), and the Knights Who Say “Ni”. 

Yet Spamalot isn’t content to simply rehash; it expands and adapts the story, introducing new characters and plot points that add freshness without losing the spirit of the original.

The cast at Ballina is what makes the madness work; every performer is a triple threat — skilled in comedy, song, and dance.

The role of King Arthur demands regal cluelessness and impeccable timing, and is capably presented by Matt Trounce. Liz van Eck, as the Lady of the Lake — a much-expanded character from the film — brings powerhouse vocals and diva flair to the proceedings. 

Ashley Sargent is an absolutely delightful Patsy, while Peter Harding (the Mayor, the Black Knight, among others) presents a stoic Sir Galahad.

Harrison Hoey is wonderful as the high-camp and perpetually afraid Sir Robin. Peter Crowley, in one of many roles, delivers the French Taunter to great effect — not least because of his ridiculous accent.

The ensemble, largely populated by relatively inexperienced young performers playing everything from knights to minstrels to chorus girls, keeps the energy high and the laughs constant.

Visually, this version of Spamalot embraces its campy style with colourful sets, flashy costumes, and intentionally cheesy effects that only add to the charm.

The choreography, sometimes hilariously exaggerated, walks the line between homage and parody, particularly in showstoppers like Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.

Ballina Players’ production of Spamalot is a well-presented and highly amusing triumph of absurdity over life’s adversities. 

It’s another opportunity for people, young and old, to experience the magic and spirit of community theatre — a chance for cast and audience alike to disengage and simply have fun.

Ultimately, Spamalot is more than just a Monty Python “greatest hits” compilation.

It’s a smart, silly, and surprisingly affectionate send-up of musical theatre itself. Beneath the absurdity lies a genuine appreciation for the genre’s traditions and tropes.

If you’re looking for a night of laughter, ridiculousness, and toe-tapping tunes, Spamalot is an unmissable ride through comedy history. 

In a world that often takes itself too seriously, this show reminds us of the joy in laughing at the absurd — and at ourselves.

Spamalot runs at Ballina Players, 24 Swift St, Ballina until September 7.

Limited tickets are still available at TryBooking or in-store at Ballina Colour Copy, 19 Moon Street, or phone (02) 6686 943.