Python's Grail hits the stage

The Monty Python team made several films

A stage version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail - directed by Mike Nichols and tentatively titled Spamalot - will open in New York in spring 2005.

"I like the title but it might be smart to ask audiences on my US tour if they like it as much as I do," said Eric Idle, who wrote the book for the show.

"They are the ones who will be paying Broadway prices to see the show."

The musical will be choreographed by Hairspray's Jerry Mitchell and will feature songs by Idle and John Du Prez.

Film favourite

It will be based on the book Idle wrote with the other Python members - John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman and Terry Gilliam - after the 1975 film.

The film, one of the Python's successful big-screen escapades, is a comedy about a group of medieval knights searching for the mythical Holy Grail.

News of the stage show follows the recent release of a DVD of another of the troupe's films, The Meaning of Life, which featured new skits.

The Monty Python team made their name on their BBC comedy show, which ran from 1969 to 1974.