The Spamalot Diaries

By: Eric Idle

Narrated by: Eric Idle, Alan Tudyk

The inside story of what it took to bring Monty Python and the Holy Grail to Broadway as the unlikely theatrical hit Spamalot, told through actual diary entries from the legendary comic performer, founding member of Monty Python, and New York Times bestselling author

On March 17, 2005, Spamalot debuted on Broadway to rapturous reviews for its star-studded creative team, including creators Eric Idle and John Du Prez, director Mike Nichols, and stars Hank Azaria, David Hyde Pierce, Sara Ramirez, Tim Curry, and more. But long before the show was the toast of Broadway and the winner of three Tony Awards, it was an idea threatening to fizzle before it could find its way into existence.

Now, in The Spamalot Diaries, Eric Idle shares original journal entries and raw email exchanges—all featuring his whip-smart wit—revealing the sometimes bumpy, always entertaining, path to the show’s unforgettable run. In the months leading up to that opening night, financial anxieties were high, with a low-ceiling budget and expectations that it would take two years to break even. Collaborative disputes put decades-long friendships to the test. And the endless process of rewriting was a task as passionate as it was painstaking. Still, there’s nothing Idle would change about that year. Except for the broken ankle. He could do without the broken ankle.

Chronicling every minor mishap and triumph along the way, as well as the creative tension that drove the show to new heights, The Spamalot Diaries is an unforgettable look behind the curtain of a beloved musical and inside the wickedly entertaining mind of one of our most treasured comic performers.

©2024 Eric Idle (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Idle provides a rollicking account of the making of his Broadway musical Spamalot. . . . [and] an irresistible and unfiltered ode to the art of live theater. Fans will love this tantalizing glimpse behind the curtain.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Quite simply wonderful . . . This is so much more than a making-of book; it’s also a portrait of Eric Idle in the kind of detail that a more traditional memoir of Spamalot’s creation might not have provided.”—Booklist

“Spirited and exceedingly witty . . . Idle’s observations are sharp and clever, and his descriptions of his time in New York City are evocative. It’s exciting and very entertaining reading. . . . The backstage story of one of the most successful musicals will appeal to theater buffs and fans of Monty Python.”—Library Journal

Humor

Eric Idle and Alan Tudyk are very funny and this book is outstanding. Well worth the time to enjoy

Collaboration with all the rough edges

I never saw Spamalot but enjoyed this book. Collaboration has rough edges and he didn’t sand them down.

Great ride

A good listen with insight into the work of making musical theater told by a funny, brilliant, tireless guy from Monty Python's Flying Circus.

I want to see the show again

Interesting behind the scene look at making a Broadway musical
I now want to go see the sshow again

Great fun and very informative

It was a real pleasure to hear Eric Idol himself narrate his book, giving a backstage look about the creation of Spamalot.

Not my cup of tea

The self congratulatory tone became redundant. Particularly annoying were references to “a song that went like this …” followed by silence.
It’s an audio book. You wrote the tunes. Perhaps you could hum a few bars for reference?

Holy Grail or Epic Fail?

I'll start by stating I am a fan of Monty Python. I rarely write critical reviews, but I made an exception here. While Eric Idle’s work has undeniably shaped comedy, The Spamalot Diaries left me conflicted.

Eric Idle seems to me, to present himself of something of a Diva; constantly seeking adulation for his brilliant work. Maybe that's the culture of Broadway productions and shame on Eric for falling into it.

His writing the book smacks a bit of trying to squeeze just a little bit more juice from the Holy Grail franchise. I obtained the title with the 3 for 1 promotion Audible had going on, so technically it was free. I wish Audible could refund the time I put into listening to it.

In wrapping up, the only bright spot is Eric's narration. Even the most horrendous of stories seem funnier when read by a Brit. Unfortunately, it’s not quite enough to save the overall experience.