'Monty Python's Spamalot' Simon Russell Beale is to play King Arthur

Simon Russell Beale will take over the role of King Arthur in the musical, Monty Python's Spamalot, from the 20 Dec 2005.

Simon Russell Beale made his Broadway debut in the National Theatre�s production of Jumpers last year. Winner of the Olivier, Evening Standard and London Critic�s Circle Awards, among many other theatrical accolades, Mr Beale is an Associate of the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National and Almeida Theatres. For the National Theatre, roles include Iago in Othello, Pangloss in Candide and Hamlet. For the Donmar and at the Brooklyn Academy of Music he played Vanya in Uncle Vanya and Malvolio in Twelfth Night. Mr Beale is currently starring in the London Donmar's production of Christopher Hampton�s The Philanthropist.

Spamalot, opened at Shubert Theatre on the 17 Mar 2005 following previews from the 14 Feb 2005. The show is currently booking to the 4 Jun 2006.

Spamalot, a new musical ripped-off from the internationally famous comedy teams most popular motion picture, 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail', features a book by Eric Idle, based on the screenplay of 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' by Monty Python creators Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, with an entirely new score featuring music and lyrics by Eric Idle and John Du Prez, along with three songs from the 1975 film.

Spamalot, is produced on Broadway by Ostar Boyett Productions. The production is directed by Mike Nichols; choreographed by Casey Nicholaw; sets and costumes by Tim Hatley; lighting by Hugh Vanstone ; and musical direction by Todd Ellison.

Spamalot stars David Hyde Pierce (Sir Robin), Tim Curry (King Arthur), Alan Tudyk (Sir Lancelot), Michael McGrath (Patsy), Steve Rosen (Sir Bedevere), Sara Ramirez (The Lady of the Lake), Brad Bradley, Thomas Cannizzaro, Kevin Covert, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Jennifer Frankel, Lisa Gajda, Jenny Hill, Emily Hsu, Abbey O'Brien, Ariel Reid, Pamela Remler, Greg Reuter, Brian Shepard, Rick Spaans, Scott Taylor.

Spamalot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and their quest for the Holy Grail. The musical features a chorus line of dancing divas and knights, flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits and one legless knight.

(Click here to read what the critics said about the show.)