Backstage at Monty Python's SPAMALOT

Last Wednesday, while in Las Vegas I went to see the Broadway musical comedy Spamalot, from the Monty Python gang. The show has a permanent home at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, but is also running in London, New York, Melbourne and a traveling show across the US.
I've been a Monty Python fan for a long time, and the stage show was quite funny; it kept me laughing continuously. It helps if you are familiar with the MP films The Holy Grail and Life of Brian, as well as the TV show itself. There are many familiar sketches and characters, all centered around King Arthur and his quest for the Holy Grail. It is cleverly written and presented, making hilarious jibes at everyone from the French, the English, Jews, Gays, Germans and many other groups. I laughed out loud throughout, it was lighthearted and fun. After the show I met some of the cast for a VIP back stage visit and tour.

Above left: Guards at the French castle, & above right: King Arthur's knights of the round table. The Vegas version of the show has the round table that looks like a roulette wheel, which was fun.
The Back Stage VIP Tour

Above left: Me clowning around with actor Justin Brill, who plays the role of "Patsy". He is holds the "vicious bunny" prop, with its bloodied fangs, feigning an attack on me. Oh yes, I was a natural on stage as I gave a dramatic shriek in horror. Above right: Me standing inside a giant tin of Spam, with friends Tim and Tim.

Above left: You can see, I was meant for the stage, posing on the set of the castle doors, & above right: Back stage in front of some costumes.

Above: Show props, & above right: One of three sections of shelves with Wigs used for the production. They are all custom made in London for each actor.

Above: Backs tage props and signs for the show.
The tour was really cool, and Justin Brill was a really nice guy. Aside from seeing how things on stage work, we saw the entire back production process, history of the show and met several actors. I highly recommend Spamalot, particularly if you were a fan of this super silly British comedy team.
-Rick Rockhill