Python musical heading for West End

Monty Python’s Spamalot is heading for London, its director Mike Nichols has revealed.

Speaking as the show won a trio of  prestigious Tony awards on Broadway last night, the veteran said ‘plans are under way’ for the transfer of the smash hit musical to the West End.

And it will also tour the States, he revealed after collecting the accolade for best director.

"I don’t have the exact dates, but basically they will both happen next year."

He also said discussions are under way to turn the show – inspired by Monty Python And The Holy Grail - into its own movie.

"But if I have my way that will be many years in the future," he added

The show, written by Eric Idle, had been nominated for 14 Tonys, and the three it finally won were in the major categories of best musical, best director and best actress in a musical for Sara Ramirez.

The veteran director admitted he was feeling nervous during the ceremony as a string of early awards went to rival musical The Light in the Piazza.

"I sat there thinking 'We're in the toilet, this is backlash big time'... but then it turned out OK," he said.

He told the audience he had forgotten what he intended to say but went on to thank his company and "Spamalot" creator Eric Idle, "from whom all blessings flow."

Published: 6 Jun 2005