Argus arts writer to appear in Spamalot

Andy Howells, 46, has worked with the Argus for 11 years and has been the paper’s arts writer since 2012.

A fan of Monty Python since childhood, Mr Howells will have a walk on role as Sir Not Appearing in Spamalot at the New Theatre in Cardiff.

Spamalot is a musical comedy adapted from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It follows King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table in their efforts to locate the Holy Grail.

Starring comedian Joe Pasquale and former EastEnders actor Todd Carty, the West End production has been touring theatres across the UK since January.

Mr Howells' role involves him walking onstage when all of the Knights of the Round Table are being named. He will say sorry when the narrator says 'and the aptly named, Sir Not Appearing in this Show', and will then walk straight off again.

It follows a five-year tradition of the tour inviting local journalists onstage and Mr Howells said that the chance to do it was a dream come true.

He said: “I got an email a month ago, which was a Pythonesque letter that had been signed by Eric Idle. I just thought it was a joke but the PR agency actually asked me.

“It’s a dream come true to get a walk on part and, hopefully, get a laugh. Some comedians wait their whole lives to get that.

“I’ve never seen the production of Spamalot so I’m looking forward to it, even if I only get to see the second-half. It will be great for my family to laugh at Dad making a fool of himself.”

Mr Howells first started watching Monty Python at the age of 10 and lists the ministry of silly walks and the argument clinic among his favourite sketches.

He said: “I first watched it back in the ‘70s and there were no worries about the watershed back then.

“There’s just so many layers to it and it’s had a big influence on a lot of comedians today. That madness reflects real life.

“It’s just great family-oriented entertainment.”

The productopn opens tonight (MON) and runs until Saturday.