SILLY noises, fish-slapping and old crones: these are the building blocks of Monty Python, a foundation that Spamalot is built on.

This Eric Idle stage show, based on the 1975 film Monty Python And The Holy Grail, is jam packed with ludicrous characters and memorable exchanges, meaning there’s a lot resting on Pick Me Up’s shoulders.

Never fear, though: Robert Readman's cast and his fellow creatives have crafted a loving dedication to the Python classic while making the characters their own in this rollicking romp of a musical.

The cast are a nice ensemble who bring plenty of enthusiasm to the chorus numbers, which are packed with great visual comedy and impressive costumes and fill the stage with that Python-brand enjoyable chaos.

Choreography by Stefanie Lyons is simple but effective, though in not choreographing smaller musical numbers the stage can feel quite static for the Knights’ songs. George Stagnell deserves special mention for his hidden talent as Patsy during Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life. Tasked with such an iconic song, Stagnell takes control of the stage and proves his worth as a very strong performer.

Emily Ramsden’s Lady of the Lake is a wonder, complete with several costume changes and vocals to bring the house down. The part is a tall order with ballads and jazzy reprises galore, and Ramsden delivers with the confidence to draw all attention to her diva.

York Press:

Emily Ramsden's Lady of the Lake and Nick Lewis's King Arthur. Picture: Matthew Kitchen

She and Nick Lewis (King Arthur) share a chemistry which gives the Lady’s relationship with Arthur that epic touch, without losing any jokes in the process.

Die-hard Python fanatics will be thrilled to know that Knights of Ni, flying limbs and killer rabbits all feature, all imbued with the enthusiasm needed to carry off such absurd comic set pieces.

A few jokes are off on their timing in smaller scenes, but it’s good to see the actors pursuing different comic beats to the original when it does pay off. John Whitney is a particular stand-out, not just for his French taunting skills but for making Lancelot his own character. Whitney’s got strong comic chops and it’s a joy to see him dispatching not-yet-dead friends with relish.

There are a few transitions and line cues which feel a bit too long here and there, but this, along with a few timing issues, are sure to have been cleared up by tonight’s performance.

Besides, slickness is not a quality that people recall when they remember Holy Grail. They think of silly asides, character-breaking rants and a touch of British charm: all of which Pick Me Up pull off splendidly. Jam, ham and spam at the ready: if you liked the film, you can’t beat this as a way to spend your evening.

Review: Spamalot, Pick Me Up Theatre, Grand Opera House, York, until Saturday, 7.30pm and 2.30pm Saturday matinee. Box office: 0844 871 3024 or at atgtickets.com/york