Cast members from Monty Python's Spamalot are hoping that the public supports them on St George's Day (23 April) as they attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the world's largest coconut orchestra. The current record stands at 1,789 and was set in March 2006, outside the Shubert Theater New York, to celebrate the first birthday of Spamalot's Broadway production. This new record attempt will be held in Trafalgar Square, so has enough room to smash the current total.
Taking part in such a prestigious record attempt is not as easy as turning up and banging two halves of a tasty, healthy snack together. Aspiring record-breakers need to have registered at a Trafalgar Square checkpoint by 18:30 to be assured of their exclusive Monty Python coconut. They will then be taught how to play their husky instruments by members of the Spamalot team. The official record attempt takes place at 19:00 and is followed by an al fresco screening of Monty Python And The Holy Grail at 19:30.
Monty Python's Spamalot, which is lovingly ripped off from the film Monty Python And The Holy Grail by former Python Eric Idle and writing partner John Du Prez, opened at the Palace in September 2006. The tale of King Arthur's search for the Holy Grail received seven Laurence Olivier Award nominations in 2007. It currently stars Simon Russell Beale as the mythical king, Hannah Waddingham as the Lady of the Lake, and Tom Goodman-Hill in a variety of rib-tickling roles. The show is booking until 3 November. em>MA