Spamalot Cast Interview with Kirsty Kingham, Playing The Lady of the Lake.

"She's a complete Diva - and I'm absolutely loving it!"

Kirsty Kingham’s infectious giggle is never far away when talking about her role as The Lady of the Lake in the musical Monty Python’s Spamalot.

“She’s the main female part and being surrounded by all that testosterone makes me really happy! Hahaha!” 

To say Kirsty is relishing the role would be a massive understatement.  It’s been on her bucket list for years – and follows her recent performances as Tracy in Hairspray and Elsa in The Sound of Music.

The Lady of the Lake sends King Arthur on his quest to find the Grail, and pops up throughout the show in a variety of guises.  

“It’s hugely vocally challenging – and because the show sends up lots of different musicals, I get to sing a lot of different styles.  There’s jazz, pop ballads, soul, opera and even scatting – that’s probably the biggest test for me!” 

So how would Kirsty describe Monty Python’s Spamalot?

“Well I must admit I didn’t know what Monty Python was!  I didn’t know about the TV show or films.  So I’m just judging from what’s in the script and what we’re doing in rehearsals, and I have to say it’s absolutely hilarious!  It’s mad, silly, immature and pant-wettingly funny – you can’t quite believe what’s coming next!  You’re certainly guaranteed a good laugh at the theatre that night!”

So a welcome distraction from her offstage roles as mum and full-time primary school teacher?  “Yes!  Life is just so busy at the moment, but it’s great to sweep into rehearsal and unleash this fabulous prima donna!”

“It’s also wonderful to see what the rest of the cast are creating – the quality of the singing is amazing.  And did I mention it’s just really, really funny?!”

Yes, you did Kirsty!   

Monty Python’s Spamalot runs at the Haymarket, Basingstoke from Tuesday 16-Saturday 20 May. Performances at 7.30pm plus a 2.30pm show on the Saturday.

Tickets at: www.anvilarts.org.uk or 01256 844244

Spamalot Director and Choreographer Gary J. Myers chats about Rehearsals

“You won’t believe what we do with our coconuts!” laughs Gary J. Myers.

Indeed, that’s one of many surprises awaiting the audience at Monty Python’s Spamalot, directed by Gary, coming to the Haymarket in Basingstoke from 16-20 May.

Director and choreographer Gary J. Myers

Gary’s been part of the theatre scene in Basingstoke for three decades, as a performer with local groups BATS and BAOS, and more recently a constant presence in the rehearsal room as Assistant Director on shows such as Sister Act, Grease and The Full Monty. He trained professionally at Guildford School of Acting, and has appeared in shows in the West End and on tour.

So Gary brings a wealth of experience to Spamalot – the first show he’s directed and choreographed for BATS.

“I just love the songs and the comedy, there’s so much for the company to get their teeth into,” enthuses Gary.  “It’s not just a celebration of Monty Python, it also sends up a whole host of musicals in a really fun, affectionate way.”

“I pitched Spamalot to BATS as a show with something for everyone. In the original Broadway production, one actor would play several roles, but I’ve had the luxury of sharing out the parts among a wider pool of people.  And I’ve been encouraging everyone to throw in their own ideas to make the show even funnier.  There’s been a lot of laughter in the rehearsal room!”

This inventiveness also stretches to the special costumes and props being made, which are keeping the team behind the scenes very busy.  There aren’t many musicals which feature killer rabbits, catapulting cows, fake heads, and a knight who loses his arms and legs but still manages to “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”.

“Everyone is working very hard,” says Gary. “I’ve been quite specific about what I want, and I’m really grateful that Jude on costumes, and Marie, Jo, Mike and Colin on props are prepared to meet the challenge!  I also appreciate Debbie Hemmings and Nick Brannam’s help with creating the choreography.”

Gary and the Laker Girls having fun at Spamalot rehearsals and photo shoot

You’ll see their work in the fantastic song and dance routines that parody everything from Phantom of the Opera to a Las Vegas floor show – all adding up to a show that indeed has “something for everyone.”

And you won’t believe what they do with their coconuts!

Monty Python’s Spamalot runs at the Haymarket, Basingstoke from Tuesday 16 - Saturday 20 May. Performances at 7.30pm plus a 2.30pm show on the Saturday.

Tickets at: www.anvilarts.org.uk or 01256 844244.

Paul Morris talks to the Basingstoke Observer about The Full Monty

“The feel of the show naturally leads to audience participation, something we encourage and that really helps the six guys through the challenge of the final scene.”

With opening night less than a week away, Basingstoke Observer's James Richings interviews Paul Morris, who plays the leading role of Jerry in The Full Monty.

Click here to read the interview!

Paul Morris in rehearsal as Jerry

The Full Monty Show Trailer

Have you booked your tickets yet? Well, what are you waiting for?! Ticket sales are hotting up in time for opening night next Wednesday 16th November!

View our show trailer to take a peek behind the scenes and our cast and crew getting ready for show week.