New TV Show to Find New 'Lady' for West End Spamalot

The West End production of Monty Python's Spamalot will lead an international search for its next Lady of the Lake with new TV entertainment show "West End Story" hosted by Swedish broadcaster TV3 in late Autumn 2007.

Devised by Anna Carrfors Bråkenhielm who produced and developed the ground breaking reality TV show "Survivor" almost a decade ago, "West End Story" is the search for a new leading lady for Monty Python's Spamalot.  The nine-part live series begins with open auditions in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo and culminates in a series finale in February 2008 when the winner will be announced.

Sweden is one of the biggest markets for musical theatre in all Europe.  In addition, London sees over 700,000 visits per year from Swedes, with a very high percentage seeing a show.  "West End Story" "not only seeks to uncover new talent but also to reflect the undeniable appeal of the West End as a global brand," state press notes.

"West End Story" will see a panel of experts from the world of musical theatre from the West End and Sweden draw up a shortlist of twelve hopefuls from open auditions. "Each week one contestant will be voted off until there are four left. The last four will be flown from Stockholm to London to begin rehearsals for the role of Lady of the Lake with the cast of Monty Python's Spamalot, returning once each week to Sweden to face the judges and viewing public in a live TV special."

Directed by Mike Nichols, the musical is "lovingly ripped-off" from the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin.  Telling the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and their quest for the Holy Grail, Monty Python's Spamalot features a chorus line of dancing divas (and serfs), flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits and a legless knight.

Book and lyrics are by Eric Idle with a Grammy Award-winning score by Eric Idle and John Du Prez.  Other members of the creative team include Casey Nicholaw (choreography), multiple Olivier Award-winners Tim Hatley (sets and costumes) and Hugh Vanstone (lighting) and Acme Sound Partners.

The show received its first performance at the Palace Theatre in London's West End on 30 September 2006.  The show continues to play at the Shubert Theatre on Broadway having won more Best Musical awards than any other show in 2005.  A new production opened at the Las Vegas Wynn earlier this year and on November 23, will see the premiere of the Australian production in Melbourne.

Visit www.montypythonsspamalot.com for more information.