"She's a complete Diva - and I'm absolutely loving it!"
Kirsty Kingham’s infectious giggle is never far away when talking about her role as The Lady of the Lake in the musical Monty Python’s Spamalot.
“She’s the main female part and being surrounded by all that testosterone makes me really happy! Hahaha!”
To say Kirsty is relishing the role would be a massive understatement. It’s been on her bucket list for years – and follows her recent performances as Tracy in Hairspray and Elsa in The Sound of Music.
The Lady of the Lake sends King Arthur on his quest to find the Grail, and pops up throughout the show in a variety of guises.
“It’s hugely vocally challenging – and because the show sends up lots of different musicals, I get to sing a lot of different styles. There’s jazz, pop ballads, soul, opera and even scatting – that’s probably the biggest test for me!”
So how would Kirsty describe Monty Python’s Spamalot?
“Well I must admit I didn’t know what Monty Python was! I didn’t know about the TV show or films. So I’m just judging from what’s in the script and what we’re doing in rehearsals, and I have to say it’s absolutely hilarious! It’s mad, silly, immature and pant-wettingly funny – you can’t quite believe what’s coming next! You’re certainly guaranteed a good laugh at the theatre that night!”
So a welcome distraction from her offstage roles as mum and full-time primary school teacher? “Yes! Life is just so busy at the moment, but it’s great to sweep into rehearsal and unleash this fabulous prima donna!”
“It’s also wonderful to see what the rest of the cast are creating – the quality of the singing is amazing. And did I mention it’s just really, really funny?!”
Yes, you did Kirsty!
Monty Python’s Spamalot runs at the Haymarket, Basingstoke from Tuesday 16-Saturday 20 May. Performances at 7.30pm plus a 2.30pm show on the Saturday.
Tickets at: www.anvilarts.org.uk or 01256 844244