Presented by: The Met (The Metropolitan Musical Theatre Company of SA inc.)
Reviewed: 7 May 2026
This show is stupid! It’s silly, and ridiculous, and in some parts it makes very little sense at all. And that’s as it should be, because this is Monty Python, and it’s hilarious.
It’s been a while since I saw a stage show that was just fun for the sake of fun. No moral message, no mind-bending twist, no intense character arcs… just very funny people performing very funny material for no other reason than to make people laugh. It’s been too long.
If you don’t know the show, or the film it’s “lovingly ripped off from” (Monty Python and the Holy Grail), then I can’t describe how it is or why. All I can tell you is that it’s Monty Python. And if you don’t know who Monty Python are, shame on you, you heathen (schedule yourself a weekend in front of the streaming services and strap in. You can thank me later).
The sets were okay, but who cares. This show is about the humour, and director Barry Hill has enabled his cast to deliver the material brilliantly. The lighting and visual effects were fun and nicely done, and the audio was damn near perfect.
But, part of Spamalot’s humour needs to be delivered in the choreography, and Selena Britz’s creativity and comedy shines through in that. No opportunity to get a laugh was missed. Tammy Papps has achieved a great sound from her orchestra, and the cast too most of the time, with only the occasional quiet line that could have been delivered louder or with more confidence.
On that note, special mention must be made of Gus Smith, who stepped in to take over the lead role of King Arthur just 2 weeks out from opening night (as I understand it). Under challenging circumstances, Smith gave us a King Arthur who was easy to mock when appropriate, stupid and silly when fitting, and at all times fun to watch.
But Kristin Stefanoff was the audience favourite, with her witty and boisterous Lady of The Lake receiving well-deserved, rapturous applause. Ben Todd as Patsy gets many of the best comedic moments in the show, and he delivers them with expertise and glee.
Folks, it’s getting tough out there lately in the real world. At a time when it’s all too easy to be brought down by all that affects us in the world right now, you owe it to yourself to ignore everything for 2.5 hours and just go and laugh yourself silly. Get to The Arts Theatre for Spamalot as soon as you can. You deserve it.
Reviewed by Doug Phillips
Photo credit: Daniel Flemming
Venue: The Arts Theatre
Season: Until 6th May
Duration: 2.5 hours (including intermission)
Tickets: $33 – $44 (plus booking fees)
Bookings: https://themet.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/157007
Disclaimer: Kristin Stefanoff is a member of the Glam Adelaide Arts review team and book review team
