Interview - Marcus Brigstocke: Singing the praises of Python's stage hit

Marcus Brigstocke is a serious kind of stand-up.

In previous shows he's exposed his own difficulties with being middle-class and his last tour was more of a Richard Dawkins-style analysis of religion than a salvo of witty punchlines.

Yet for the past few months, Brigstocke, who is currently attempting to work the God Collar material into a book, has had some light relief.

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Playing King Arthur in the now much- loved Monty Python musical Spamalot, he's proved he can sing and more important than all that, he's been sharing the stage with Todd Carty, an actor who for a generation will always embody Grange Hill's golden years.

"I get to spend every day with Tucker Jenkins," says Brigstocke. "It doesn't get better than that."

As a stand-up, Brigstocke has a habit of coming across as a man who thinks far too much, who lies awake pondering big questions about life, the universe and his irrational hatred of David Blaine. Taking a break in between performances he's much more relaxed.

"I've had the time of my life," he says, with just a few more performances left before he hands over King Arthur's crown to Phill Jupitus. "As a comedian you're on your own. Even if you have the best audience in the world, when you walk off stage, then it's just you and a long drive back home or a hotel room.

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"I know it's a cliche and I hate cliches, but it's been like one big family and I'll miss them." Spamalot, adapted by Eric Idle from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, has been something of a revelation for Brigstocke. Having grown up on a diet of Cleese, Palin and company he knew he'd have no problems delivering the gags, but he's also found he's a pretty decent singer and was enjoying himself so much he extended his contract.

"I had never sung in public before, so of course it was daunting, but you have to put your trust in the director and he told me I'd be fine after a few singing lessons. Thankfully he was right.

"I was supposed to finish Spamalot in August, but I begged the producers and of course my wife to let me carry on. I've got two young children and it's hard being away from home, but this was something I just needed and wanted to do."

Arriving in Britain fresh from success on Broadway, it's a more pared-back version of Spamalot which is now doing the rounds.

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"It's much truer to the original Monty Python sketches," adds Brigstocke. "As a comedian you don't get much better material than that and when I finally do have to leave, I'm sure there will be a few tears."

The holy grail of musicals

Eric Idle's musical featuring killer rabbits and the knights who say "Ni" premiered on Broadway to much acclaim. It went on to win three Tony Awards and four US Outer Critics Circle Awards. It has continued to sell-out British theatres, but failed to win a single Olivier gong. Spamalot, to November 27, York Grand Opera House. 01904 678700.