Lions, Phantoms, and Now Killer Rabbits; the Theatre Lights of London

tion_start -->Spanish Inquisition, everyone knows what to
With a host of great theatre shows such as theexpect from their irreverent productions. The
Guys and Dolls, Phantom of the opera and Bloodnew Python launch is sure to attract an audience
brothers currently drawing in audiences in London,who are not normally theatre goers, and are
it seems that theatre is far from dead. Withlooking for something other than the standard
great shows available that are suitable for kids likemusical fare.
The Lion King, through to ones that are ideal forSpamalot is, as their own marketing asserts,
older visitors like Chicago, it is easy to see why"Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy
the West End theatre has not succumbed to theMonty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT is
slow decline that appears to be affecting variousthe new musical directed by Oscar winning Mike
other areas of the entertainment industry.Nichols, with a book by the third tallest Python,
The continued prominence and strength of theEric Idle, and an almost but not entirely new score
theatre industry in the West End can be seenby Eric Idle (no relation) and John du Prez.
through the emergence of companies like UKRetelling the legend of King Arthur and his Knights
short break holiday specialist, Superbreak,of the Round Table and featuring a number of
promoting inclusive hotel and theatre breaksgratuitously scantily clad showgirls, not to mention
through competition prizes on prime timethe cows, killer rabbits and French people."
television. Further indications of the glowing healthWith a host of awards already under its belt for
of UK theatre can be seen in the recent recordthe Broadway production, the transfer to the
set by Les Miserables as the longest running WestPalace Theatre in Shaftsbury Avenue in London
End musical ever, and the London opening of thefrom the start of October 2006, including Tim
hit Broadway performance of Monty Python'sCurry reprising his Broadway roles, which is to be
Spamalot.taken over by multi award winning actor Simon
Although nearly forty years old, Monty Python isRussell Beale at the beginning of next year, it
still a much loved institution in the UK and alllooks set to continue its success.
around the world, and with the exception of the