The humour in Monty Python’s Spamalot, Eric Idle and John Du Prez’s musical “lovingly ripped off” from the 1975 film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail might, I thought, be an acquired taste.

How wrong could I be as I chuckle with glee at its sheer nonsense.

The irreverent performers make fun of the plague, nonchalantly dismember the Black Knight (Simon Lipkin) and shy away from a blood thirsty rabbit.

The mad and maddening characters who surround King Arthur are a Ferris wheel of fun. especially his Knights of the Round Table. The most amusing is Graham MacDuff’s Sir Lancelot. I love his hilarious striptease.

Comedian Phill Jupitus (of Never Mind the Buzzcocks) charismatically fills the stage as a King Arthur who is both regal and humorous, turning every set back into a joke whilst he seeks the holy grail. He sings I’m All Alone in an over the top, sympathy-inducing way whilst not being alone at all.

His downtrodden servant is present but doesn’t seem to count. Nevertheless, Todd Carty’s performance as Patsy counts a lot to us.

Arthur’s future Queen. Guinevere is played at short notice by Jessica Martin and, despite the tomfoolery, her strong voice rings out confidently in numbers such as The Song that Goes Like This and Diva’s lament. You deserve that bouquet Jessica.

Jenny Arnold’s choreography makes even those unaccustomed to movement, look good.

You come away feeling happier and looking on the bright side of life.

At the Palace Theatre, Manchester until February 12. Box Office 0844 847 2275 Star rating: * * * *