INTERVIEW: John Du Prez on Monty Python’s Spamalot

John Du Prez on Spamalot

Meet Spamalot composer John Du Prez in: The interview that goes like this… He studied Chinese at Oxford, was an associate of the Royal College of Music, appeared on Top of the Pops and wrote music scores for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies. But John Du Prez is best known and loved for composing the silly songs that make Spamalot, the musical comedy based on Monty Python and the Holy Grail, a global mega hit. Jude Riley talked to John about working with the Pythons, poking fun at Andrew Lloyd Webber and what a spamahorn actually is… You changed your given name from Trevor Jones because there was already a composer of that name. How did you decide on John Du Prez? Many artists choose to change their names because it gives a sense of freedom. I come from a classical music background and one of my favourite composers was a 16th century Frenchman … Read more

Spamalot UK Tour

Spamalot Uk Tour

Following their acclaimed tours of Little Shop Of Horrors, Footloose and Avenue Q, Selladoor Productions in association with the Mercury Theatre Colchester will present a UK tour of Spamalot. Lovingly ripped off from the hugely successful 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this spammier than ever production is a riotous comedy full of misfit knights, killer rabbits, dancing nuns and ferocious Frenchmen. Join King Arthur as he travels with his hapless Knights of the Round Table on a divine mission to locate the elusive Holy Grail – with uproarious consequences. Written by Monty Python’s Eric Idle alongside John DuPrez, Spamalot won the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical has enjoyed acclaimed runs around the world. Spamalot is directed by Daniel Buckroyd and designed by Sara Perks. Lighting is designed by David W Kidd and sound by Chris Bogg. Casting for Spamalot is to be announced soon. SPAMALOT UK … Read more

Is Something Rotten Headed To The West End?

Something Rotten musical

It has been reported in tonight’s London Evening Standard that one of the hottest new musicals on Broadway may be headed to the West End of London sooner than anticipated. Spoofing Shakespeare, Something Rotten is about two brothers who frustrated by a hack called Shakespeare inadvertently write the first musical. Critically acclaimed and nominated for ten Tony Awards it looks set to be an enormous Broadway hit. Something Rotten is directed by Casey Nicolaw who directed The Book Of Mormon and is also responsible for Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway. Producer Kevin McCollum, whose credits include Avenue Q and Rent, said: “The idea of a musical set in Shakespeare’s time and having characters compete with him is something people are responding to. I love bringing shows to London and hope to send the show there.” Something Rotten has been compared to Spamalot and that show’s Monty Python creator Eric Idle reportedly told the Standard: … Read more

REVIEW: Spamalot, Richmond Theatre (on Tour) ✭✭✭✭

Joe Pasquale as King Arthur in the UK Tour of Spamalot

The balance in Luscombe’s revival is precisely right. The “make-do” feel of the sets is in sync with the coconut clacking of the unrelentingly cheery Patsy and helps set the tone of silliness and frivolity with which one must approach Spamalot to reap its many rewards. Versatility is at a premium in this cast. Wide-eyed, dry, droll and gently teasing, Pasquale makes a lovable and very funny Arthur.