WHERE else would you get head-bashing monks, a killer wooden rabbit and a former EastEnder pretending to be a horse?

It could only be Monty Python.

And the flying circus has come to town with the all-singing, all-dancing Spamalot.

This irreverent laugh-out-loud parody pokes fun at pretty much everything and everyone.

Based on the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot is set in King Arthur’s England.

Marcus Brigstocke plays an intellectually-challenged monarch trying to form the knights of the round table as well as looking for the Grail.

Although he doesn’t speak much, former EastEnder Todd Carty is charming in the role of Patsy, singing an audience-swaying rendition of Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.

But the real star of the show is Bonny Langford as the attention-seeking Lady of the Lake.

Python Eric Idle wrote the musical, and collaborated with John Du Prez on most of the music.

Despite originally opening in Chicago and Broadway in 2005, before moving across the Atlantic to London’s West End the following year, the show’s many popular culture references are bang up-to-date.

There is a tongue-in-cheek mention of the “popular” Greek finance minister, Britain’s Got Talent winner Susan Boyle comes to a sticky end, and the audience burst into laughter at a reference to celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson’s cheese and wine party.

And special mention must go to unsuspecting audience member and good sport Adrian Cook – who found the Holy Grail under his seat and was dragged onstage with his elusive discovery.

Spamalot’s very particular brand of fun is the perfect way to cheer up a winter evening.

It proves the Monty Python brand is still alive and kicking – and singing and dancing.

  • Spamalot runs at the New Theatre in George Street until Saturday. For ticket inforantion, call the box office on 01865 320760