Rehearsals began Monday, Aug. 21 for Spamalot, which comes home to London in October 2006. The show will have its first performance at the Palace Theatre in London’s West End on Sept. 30 2006. As rehearsals commenced Eric Idle said: “I am proud, excited and slightly aroused to be bringing Spamalot to the West End and I hope Monty Python finally gets the recognition and the Knighthood he so obviously deserves”.

The cast features original Broadway members Tim Curry as King Arthur and Christopher Sieber as Sir Galahad. The cast of the London version also includes Hannah Waddingham in the role of The Lady of the Lake, David Birrell as Patsy, Tom Goodman-Hill as Sir Lancelot and Robert Hands, who takes on the part of Sir Robin.

At Left (From Top): Tim Curry and Eric Idle reunite for the first day of rehearsals in London; Tim Curry and his new Lady of the Lake, Hannah Waddingham.

Below: Eric Idle addresses the company on their first day of work.

photos by Catherine Ashmore