 On the 21st August 2006, rehearsals began for the new West End production of the Broadway smash-hit show, Monty Python's Spamalot.
The show had already been wowing Broadway audiences for about eighteen months when the London production began, with a sizzling score by Python member, Eric idle, and John du Prez.
The story of the show was, "lovingly ripped off" from the original Monty Python film, THe Holy Grail, and features many of the now-famous set pieces, including the Knights of Ni, and the French Taunter.
Spamalot Broadway veterans, Tim Curry and Christopher Sieber (King Arthur and Sir Galahad, respectively) journeyed to London to reprise their Tony-nominated roles for West End audiences. For Nathan, after his Rocky Horror association, working with Tim Curry was a real thrill.
 The show opened in October 2006, to rave reviews, and has had audiences howling with laughter ever since. It really is a very silly show, and with many musical theatre references and pastiche moments, as well as all the famous Monty Python sketches, is the kind of show that would appeal to anyone.
Nathan understudied the role of Lancelot (which also includes the popular characters of the Ni Kight, the French Taunter, and Tim the Enchanter), and performed the role three times. It was a great fun role to get the chance to play, largely because the characters are all so popular, and the audiences love to hear all the famous lines, but also because they are all so extreme, and it was wonderful to get the opportunity to go completely over the top with them.
Directed by legendary film director, Mike Nicholls, and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, the show has a great team behind it.
Nathan left the show after eleven months, on the 21st August 2007.
Click here to view video clip
Cast Details
King Arthur
(Oct 06-Jan 07)
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Tim Curry
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King Arthur
(Jan 07-Aug-07)
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Simon Russell Beale
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Lady of the Lake
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Hannah Waddingham
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Sir Galahad
The Black Knight
The Father
(Oct 06-Jan-07)
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Christopher Sieber
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Lancelot
French Taunter
Ni Knight
Tim the Enchanter
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Tom Goodman Hill
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Sir Robin
Guard 1
Brother Maynard
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Robert Hands
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Sir Galahad
The Black Knight
The Father
(Jan-07-Aug 07)
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Graham MacDuff
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Patsy
Mayor of Finland
Guard 2 |
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David Birrell
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Herbert
The Historian
Not Dead Fred
Minstrel
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Darren Southworth
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Sir Bedevere
Mrs Galahad
Concord
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Tony Timberlake
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Ensemble
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Krystal Archer
Karen Aspinal*
Ross Dawes
Stuart Dawes
Rachel Dempsey
Emma Green
Selina Hamilton
Amber Neale
Andrew Spillett
Gavin Staplehurst
Sebastian Sykes
Luzahnn Taylor
Nathan Taylor
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Standby
Lady of the Lake
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Amy Field
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Standby King Arthur
Standby Lancelot
Standby Galahad
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Craige Els
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Standby Sir Robin
Standby Herbert
Standby Patsy
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Simon Grieff
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Swings
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Ben Clare
Rebecca Giaccopazzi
Mark Evans
Brendan Cull
Amy Ellen Richardson
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*Karen joined the cast temporarily, between December 06 and February 07, to replace Rachel Dempsey, who had had a serious knee injury. |
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Photographs
Click on the thumbnails (above) to view the photos.
The company with their flags and their fish, in the false start to the show: the number, "Finland."
Tom Goodman Hill bonks Darren Southworth over the head in the song, "Not Dead Yet." In the background, from left to right: Stuart Dawes, Nathan and Sebastian Sykes.
Tom Goodman Hill, Robert Hands, Darren Southworth with the male ensemble at the end of the number, "Not Dead Yet."
Galahad (Christopher Sieber) and the Lady of the Lake (Hannah Waddingham) during "The Song That Goes Like This."
Nathan looks on, as the Showgirls entertain in Camelot.
Selina Hamilton (Dark blue), Emma Green (Pink), Krystal Archer (Yellow) and Karen Aspinal (Light blue).
Nathan seen here, enjoying Karen Aspinal's dancing.
The boys have difficulty spelling the word "Camelot."
From left to right: Andrew Spillett, Nathan, Stuart Dawes and Gavin Staplehurst.
The french taunters taunt King Arthur's Knights.
From left to right: Tom Goodman Hill, Darren Southworth, Nathan and Stuart Dawes.
(Just visible, the heads of Simon Russell Beale and Christopher Sieber)
Velcro grails make this seemingly difficult maneuver much easier!
From left to right: Ross Dawes, Nathan, Emma Green, Andrew Spillett, Robert Hands, Darren Southworth, Stuart Dawes, Sebastian Sykes and Gavin Staplehurst.
David Birrell (Patsy) leads the boys in the sensational tap number, "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life."
From left to right: Gavin Staplehurst, Andrew Spillet, Nathan, David Birrell, Sebastian Sykes, Stuart Dawes and Ross Dawes.
Twirling umbrellas made Nathan's life hell in rehearsals, but the effect is mesmerising.
From left to right: Nathan, Gavin, Andrew, Stuart, Sebastian and Ross.
Tapping up a storm, from left to right:
Nathan, Sebastian, Stuart, David, Ross, Gavin and Andrew.
This photo adorned the side of the Palace Theatre to promote the show.
From left to right: Nathan, Sebastian, Stuart, David, Ross, Gavin, Andrew and Tim Curry as King Arthur.
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