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Monday, 9 July 2007, 10:18 GMT 11:18 UK

Ex-Dr Who to star in Python show

Peter Davison as King Arthur (photo by David Ellis) Former Doctor Who actor Peter Davison is to play King Arthur in the West End production of Monty Python's Spamalot.

The 56-year-old, also known for his role as Tristan Farnon in All Creatures Great and Small, replaces Shakespearean actor Simon Russell Beale from 23 July.

Coronation Street's Charlie Stubbs - aka actor Bill Ward - will also join the stage show's cast as Sir Lancelot.

The musical, based on Monty Python's 1975 Holy Grail film, has won three Tony Awards on Broadway.

The UK production was nominated for seven Laurence Olivier theatre awards this year, but failed to win any trophies.

Brian musical

Loosely based on the legend of King Arthur, Spamalot features flatulent Frenchmen, a legless knight and a killer rabbit.

It was written by former Python Eric Idle, who recently unveiled his next project - Not The Messiah (He's A Very Naughty Boy) at Toronto's Luminato festival.

The oratorio is based on the comedy troupe's Life of Brian film, which tells the story of Brian Cohen, a young man born on the same night and the same street as Jesus Christ.

An hour-long preview showcased some of the songs written for the new musical - including Hail To The Shoe and Brian's Dream - by Idle and composer John DuPrez.

The show also incorporated Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life - which closes The Life Of Brian film and is also featured in Spamalot.



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Related to this story:
Spamalot cast sets coconut record (23 Apr 07 |  London )
Idle's Messiah is Spamalot sequel (14 Feb 07 |  Entertainment )
Pythons attend Spamalot premiere (18 Oct 06 |  Entertainment )
Python launches West End Spamalot (21 Feb 06 |  Entertainment )
Press views: Spamalot (17 Oct 06 |  Entertainment )
Spamalot producers sued by model (25 Jan 06 |  Entertainment )
Spamalot takes US critics awards (09 May 05 |  Entertainment )

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