IT is safe to say that the Monty Python is the most influential British comedy troupe ever.

Messrs Gilliam, Palin, Chapman, Cleese, Idle and Jones have inspired generations through their work across film and TV. Even now, 46 years after their debut, they can still draw the crowds.

Case in point at the Theatre Royal last night with a nearly full house of jolly spectators ready for the boys’ irreverent sketches, Las Vegas showgirls’ routines and a coconut-inflected quest.

And Spamalot did not disappoint.

Mostly following the plot of Monty Python’s the Holy Grail, Spamalot follows the bumbling King Arthur (complete with bumbling sidekick Patsy) travelling around his kingdom, first to find knights for his very round table, and then the titular Holy Grail.

What is an army knights for without a worthy and suitably obstacle-strewn quest? Along the way, he and his band encounter towers holding imprisoned maidens, shrubbery-obsessed mystical knights and maniacal French soldiers in possession of deadly flatulence.

From the set design, to the intelligent use of props and well co-ordinated song and dance routines, this was a rousing and deliciously bonkers performance. King Arthur’s (Joe Pasquale) chat with God (Michael Palin) proved particularly memorable, with a number of withering put-downs.

The Lady of the Lake, exuberantly (and deafeningly) played by Sarah Earnshaw was something of a show-stopper, through a combination of winning sass and a powerful set of lungs, chewing the scenery at every opportunity.

Though a richer experience for the long-time fans, for anyone who has ever had even a passing interest in the Pythons it is hard to find a better start.

Spamalot is on at the Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday, May 30. - Marion Sauvebois