The Spamalot Diaries

by Eric Idle

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 diaries from the legendary comic performer, founding member of Monty Python, and New York Times bestselling authorOn March 17, 2005, Spamalot debuted on Broadway to rapturous reviews for its star-studded creative team, including creator Eric Idle, director Mike Nichols, and stars Hank Azaria, David Hyde Pierce, Sara Ramirez, John Cleese, and more. But long before 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 authentic journal entries and raw email exchanges—all featuring his whip-smart wit—revealing the sometimes bumpy but always fascinating 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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Humor, Audiobook, Music, Comedy, Biography

208 pages, Hardcover

Published October 8, 2024

About the author

Eric Idle is an English comedian, actor, author and composer of comedic songs. He wrote and performed as a member of the internationally renowned British comedy group Monty Python.

Reviews

[Darius Ostrowski · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, let me start off by saying that I am a huge fan of Monty Python. I used to stay up late on Sunday nights watching Flying Circus on PBS, I can quote all of the movies by heart, I have the albums, and I believe that Fawlty Towers is the funniest thing ever devised by mankind. I was also lucky enough to see the pre-Broadway production of Spamalot when they were trying things out on a snowy December evening in Chicago, like I’ve said, a true fan.

So I was eagerly looking forward to “The Spamalot Diaries” by Eric Idle, hoping to get some backstage chatter, humorous bits, insight from the cast and crew, etc. What I got instead was a series of diary entries (for the most part), some emails, and very little from anyone other than Eric Idle. And what Mr. Idle mostly shared with us in his diaries was about how much he had to rewrite, not exactly the scintillating backstage insights I was hoping for.

This is mostly a chronicle of what goes on when producing a Broadway show. Basically, “we wrote something, it didn’t work, we rewrote it, it kind of worked, some things needed to be taken out of the play, it was all for the better”. What did we learn? It takes a lot of rewrites, some people get their feelings hurt when you take out their parts, even famous people get nervous. What did we already know but it was reconfirmed? The play was a huge success, Mike Nichols was a genius, both the public and the critics loved it.

Very little insight, very little backstage stuff, really just a listing of what Mr. Idle had to go through. Disappointing.

I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Crown Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Maine Colonial · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a free advance digital review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

I’ve been needing to do a whole-house clear-out for years now. It’s beginning to seem like the only thing that would light a fire under me is an impending move. This book came about because an impending move forced Eric Idle and his wife to clear out their house. In the process, he found the diary he kept 20 years earlier for the year Spamalot was being developed for Broadway. And here it is, with the addition of a few emails and other ephemera here and there.

If you are thinking about reading this, keep in mind that’s what this is; Eric Idle’s diary. You will get only his point of view and, since he was the primary script writer, his focus is heavily on the script. If it seems to you that it’s unnecessary to say this, my response is that I’ve seen some reviewers disappointed that the book doesn’t include backstage details, for example, nor descriptions of rehearsals (other than the Chicago dress rehearsal), choreography, the creation of the set, etc.

I got a real feel for how challenging it is to be the scriptwriter for a Broadway show. I lost count of how many drafts Idle wrote, how many on-the-fly excisions and additions, how many all-day or all-night sessions he went through under severe time pressure. Of course, many of the revisions were his idea, but many came about from the criticisms of the director, Mike Nichols, who wasn’t always too gentle about his issues. I don’t know if I could have handled it very well. In any case, it all worked out, with the show being a huge success and now, 20 years later, starting a revival.

There are times in the book when Idle slides into that endless Hollywood-style love fests with Nichols and other members of the production staff and the cast. I always feel cringe-y about that kind of thing, and definitely if I hear/read it repeatedly. He also name drops a lot, but that didn’t bother me. I was fascinated at the mental picture of Mike Nichols and Diane Sawyer taking Idle to Thanksgiving dinner at the Manhattan condo belonging to Candice Bergen and her husband, Marshall Rose, and the five of them treated to singing by friends Carly Simon and her son, Ben Taylor.

I would recommend this to any Broadway musical lover who has a particular interest in the writing side.

3.5 stars, rounded to 4

[Mary Remer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook… every time he said “the nights who say ni” I lost it.

[Andy Ober · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. Even if this isn't a show you are terribly familiar with, it's a fascinating look at the peaks and valleys that go into creating a show – even one based on extremely popular source material. The writing reflects the brilliant Eric Idle's intelligent humor, but also his vulnerability and insecurities as he navigates the process.

If you are familiar with the show, it's fun and fascinating to read the story of it taking shape into what we have come to know and love.

This is an easy, fun and funny read full of moments that are silly, meaningful and often both. Strong recommendation for theater and Python fans alike.

[Ben Cruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I’m in love with this book being the diary entries of Eric Idle while he worked on creating the musical Spamalot, and the personal struggles and sacrifices he made are rather intriguing, I felt a lack of other perspectives on the project which I feel could have benefited the book even more, both in terms of length and depth. It was rather short and I want more on the process of creating a musical that I personally love. I wish Eric Idle personally reached out to those involved in the original creative process or in the cast that were still alive and asked for their own POVs during that time and what they remembered. While it’s his diary and his story, I would have loved other POVs of the people in the room. Overall, not a bad read, I rather enjoyed it, I just wanted more.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Spamalot (traveled by train from rural Missouri to Chicago to see it in previews back in 2004), so needless to say I was excited to read The Spamalot Diaries! It’s a must read for fellow fans but also very insightful for any creative looking to present their work. A fun read and great peak at the behind the scenes process of making a Broadway hit.

[Brittany Gillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who is a creative, I found this book fascinating. A look behind the curtain at the arduous work of creating something marvelous. More than three years and so many edits… oh, the edits!

I can see why some would find it a bit “dull” as a making-of story because of the constant back-and-forth, repetition, and listing of names, so if you are looking for just the “dirt,” this isn’t the right book. However, if you want to be “in the room where it happens” and see “how the sausage gets made,” strap in for an inspiring ride.

[Vanessa Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun! It was a little walk down memory lane for me and was also fun to hear about the process of putting on the show, what got cut etc. It would have been fun for it have have been a little beefier with a little more behind the scenes etc, but it was a nice concise storytelling from Eric Idle’s journal entries as well as some email conversation.

There was one part/story that was a little icky for me with Sara Ramirez being overly sexualized in explaining how talented of a dancer they are. It just made me go “ew….” and scrunch my face a little.

🎧 5⭐️ This was a great audio with Eric Idle lending his voice for his story as well as some random bits by Alan Tudyk. It made the listening very enjoyable!

[Dana Friend-Bridges · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eric’s diary from the stage show.Boy he writes a lot

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5)

I enjoyed my time with this :)

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This quick and entertaining book is a must read for fans of Monty Python and the musical Spamalot.

[Marcelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent diary of Eric Idle's time working on the original show in 2004-2005. Highly recommend.

[Bryan Edgington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read, interesting insight into the mind of a legend. Makes me want to see Spamalot.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really sweet and fun to follow the process.

[Jeri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't believe for one second he never planned on publishing this, but it would have been better if he hadn't. It certainly doesn't read like a diary/journal. It's mostly a chronicle of this happened, then this happened, then I did that and he did that. No introspection. No insight. No back stage gossip. LOTS of name-dropping and lots of very un-British look how great I am. I think he lived in LA too long.

[Bob Morehead · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 *
I love Eric Idle, and Python; and this book offers an interesting look at the process required to mount a major theatrical production. But much of the book's movement is "this happened, then these people said this, and this happened, and . . . " with a lot of name-dropping. SO. I enjoyed it, but wouldn't recommend it.

[Mark Lieberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book from Netgalley so I can read and review it before it’s published. Now, I have seen Spamalot twice (once in NY and once locally in town), and it’s one of my favorites (right along the same line as The Producers).

This book is written in a diary format, and I truly enjoyed Eric’s insights. Insights to the writing process, the rehearsals, the collaboration amongst the writer, the director (Mike Nichols), the choreographer, and the cast (Tim Curry, Hank Azaria, and David Hyde Pierce), and the constant pressure to bring it.

It really goes to show you how much effort and time it takes to put on a successful Broadway show, and I really enjoyed it.

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick memoir from the writer/creator of the hit musical, Spamalot. It is largely composed of his diary entries from his time creating the musical. Definitely fun to see how much work goes into writing/rewriting/rewriting again a hit. So much showmanship and art is edited behind the scenes multiple times - and many never see all those things - or songs that never made it to opening night.

It was a fun read for someone who has only seen the musical once - and isn't a huge Monty Python fan. For fans, I imagine it will be an instant favorite.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing and really frames how the musical was built. It's like Smash with more silly and no sex.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Crown Publishing for an advance copy of this diary about the ups and downs in creating a megapopular Broadway play, the strife , spats, squabbles and success of Spamalot.

I have always wondered where people get their ideas from. What spark hits just right in the old brain pan that makes a person go, hmm, there is something here, I should think about this more. I have also wondered how anyone can collaborate on creating art. Especially with more than one person. How can one go, hmm that's ok, hmm that will save us money, hmm, we can't get the cast we want, this person will do, and is also cheaper. I've always wondered how creators handled this. What is it like to be told, your dream is to big, or expensive, or that song ruins the scene. Or slows down the story. Well as Eric Idle writes, not well. Wars are begun, allies sought, and betrayed, money is spent, and not spent, endorsement deals are acquired, and like territory in a war, lost the next day. And yet, even in the maelstrom of chaos, art is given life. Decisions are finalized, scenes are cut, songs are lost, and regained. And Broadway history is made. The Spamalot Diaries by multi-hyphenate writer, singer, comedian, Eric Idle is a behind the scenes look at the creation of the play Spamalot, how it came about, the troubles and travails, and the final triumph.

Eric Idle began a series of diaries detailing the creation of the play Spamalot written with his long time musical collaborator John du Prez, which he than lost track of the same diaries for almost 20 years. Based on the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Idle had been working on the project for awhile before finding a producer who would fund the project, a theater to perform in and a director, Mike Nichols, famed for his movies and stage work. The first table read went fantastic with actors Hank Azaria, David Hyde Pierce and Tim Curry along with many others. However soon reality started rearing its ugly head, like the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog. The budget started to expand. Scenes were moved, or excised, songs needed to be rewritten, or again cut. Actors were replaced. The tendon in Eric Idle's foot was torn. Sides were starting to be drawn over the material being lost, and things were getting tense for the off-Broadway premiere in Chicago. However at least Idle had a very nice coat for it. Disparate scenes come together, the Lady of the Lake gets a bigger role, Idle's foot feels better. But there are problems even up to opening night.

This is truly a warts and all book about creating art. Idle details all the behind the scenes shenanigans, bad songs, bad readings, bad costumes, Spam sponsors, the near death of John Cleese, and most of all his own mistakes and foibles. One can see that Idle wants the best, but is prepared to fight not only for it, but to keep his play as close to what he sees. Every cut sounds painful, and yet he is honest to say, yup that was a good call. There are a lot of good stories, funny bits, sad bits, family bits, and stories about what goes on behind the scenes. What comes across most is that they already had lightening in a bottle, they just had to figure out how to show it to the people. And win a lot of Tony awards.

A book that appeals to a lot of fans. Monty Python fans will enjoy the jokes, and discussions about the movie and the play. Broadway types will like to read the stories about creating a play, and creative types will learn that one creates by working very, very hard on one's work, fighting when you are sure, and listening to others. That is a hard lesson, but one that come across as the biggest theme to the play's ultimate success.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in 2005, Spamalot debuted on Broadway. It was the culmination of hours and hours of work, from the writing of the book and music, the choreography, the rewrites, the direction, the costumes, the orchestration, and the impressive acting. It was a modern musical update of the famous film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Eric Idle took that original idea and crafted a musical around it, and he’s sharing part of that journey with the rest of us.

Recently, cleaning out his old papers, he found the diary he kept while they took Spamalot from paper to a production, and it’s a gold mine of anecdotes about the final rewrites, from the first cast reading to opening night and beyond. Idle was asked to do rewrite after rewrite for this, and his hard work pays off. Songs get added and left behind, scenes get moved around or taken out, and Idle survives it all. He may spill some of his disappointments to his diary from time to time, but he also uses it to celebrate victories and adore director Mike Nichols and stars Tim Curry, Sara Ramirez, David Hyde Pierce, and Hank Azaria.

There are some moments in this book that are funny, some that are sad, and some that are downright breathtaking. When all the remaining Pythons came to the show, I was so moved to hear their thoughts of the show. And finding out who finds the grail on the first night of the show was so sweet.

I loved getting this backstage pass to the creation and polishing of Spamalot. As a longtime Python fan, I was immediately invested in this story. Those who are not as familiar with their work may not understand the significance of some of the references, but anyone who is a theater nerd will soak in all the stories. And fans of Gray’s Anatomy will discover that Sara Ramirez was woefully underused as Dr. Callie Torres. But that aside, Spamalot is iconic for a hundred different reasons, and The Spamalot Diaries shines a spotlight on them all.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Spamalot Diaries is Eric Idle's wonky and often moderately humorous recollections surrounding the writing/staging/&production, bringing Monty Python's Holy Grail to Broadway. Released 8th Oct 2024 by Crown Publishing, it's 208 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is, chiefly, a well-edited transcription of Mr. Idle's diaries from the time when he and the other chief agents were working to get the project off the ground. It's amazing how much serendipity, happenstance, and sweat is involved in bringing any creative project to fruition, if this one is anything to go by.

There are behind-the-scenes stories aplenty as well as his interpretations and "as recollected by" dialogue interspersed between the diary entries.

Four stars. It's an interesting book, not screamingly funny, but definitely worth a look, especially for fans of the author, of Spamalot, and of the original Python troupe. It would be a good choice for public or secondary school library acquisition, as well as for home reading.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Shireen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I had the immense privilege of meeting Eric Idle last year when the Stratford Festival mounted a production of Spamalot for the 2023 season and he came to town to see it. We only chatted for a couple of minutes, but he signed my copy of his sortabiography, "Always Look On the Bright Side of Life" and he was quite a gem. I kind of became obsessed with Spamalot because of it. Then, when I discovered that late last year he had rediscovered his old journals he kept during the writing phase of creating Spamalot for Broadway, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy.

This is a really cool glimpse 'behind the curtain' of bringing a musical to life onstage. It is written in epistolary and diary format - Idle's diary entries are interspersed with emails back and forth between him and his production crew. This is at the stage where the 'book' (a.k.a. libretto) is mainly complete but casting, table reads, and song cuts are forthcoming. Idle is typically quite effusive and generous with praise, but he also has a biting wit that can come out when he's unhappy with something or someone. His characteristic Python humour is on full display throughout; I've always found his writing style a pleasure to read and this is no exception.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Eric Idle, and Crown Publishing for giving me a digital advance readers copy of this book for free to read and review. All opinions are my own and are provided voluntarily.

[Henry Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not realise until recently that Spamalot is a stage musical based extremely loosely on my favourite film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It was largely the brainchild of Eric Idle, the Python who wrote a lot of the songs (most famously, 'Always Look On The Bright Side of Life'). The Spamalot Diaries charts the story of how the musical was brought to life -- the backstage drama, the egos, the constant re-writes, the songs written, the songs scrapped, and, poignantly, the wondering why anyone works hard on something they love, only to be frustrated when it never seems to achieve perfection. This could have been a tedious luvvie-fest, but is saved by the touches of darkness that evoke genuine emotion. Oh yes, and there are jokes. Which are funny. I liked the one in which Idle, riding a rickshaw in New York, pretends to be Michael Palin making one of his travel documentaries. You don't have to know the music to read the book, but it helps, so after I read it I downloaded the musical soundtrack. Spamalot uses the already very thin plot of Holy Grail to send up the whole business of musical theatre itself. 'The Song That Goes Like This' is a brilliant satire on the paint-by-numbers tedium of an Andrew Lloyd Webber score (I appreciate that some readers may disagree, but I've sat through Cats and Starlight Express and these are hours I shall never have again). 'You Won't Succeed On Broadway (If You Don't Have Any Jews)' warmed the cockles of this Red-Sea Pedestrian.

[James Rhodes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tend to think that the only good musicals are those penned by Bertolt Brecht, and Mighty Mouse. Eric Idle's diary has done little to disavow me of this opinion .Spamalot and its ilk are not for the likes of me anyway, and I couldn't afford a ticket even if I were to have a sudden about turn.

That is partially why this book is so interesting. It is casually fantastic and realistically opulent. In another author's hands it would border on obnoxious. But Idle tells the story with a wife eyed jubilance that seems unable to believe its luck, and it all becomes more endearing than it should be.


Idle is my favourite extant Python for a reason. Here is a man who seems constantly amazed by his life, and who throws effulgent praise at everything. And in such miserable times it is a delight to bask in his sunny demeanor. And I love a humorous diary.

The account of events is fascinating, The calm collaborative process is interesting to study even if it lacks the passion and conflict of great drama. I like the comparisons to the Python process and the warm insights into friendships and family.

It was a little surprising to discover that Idle does not understand what Castle Anthrax is a reference to, but I guess Jones is the medievalist.

Anyway, interesting read

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've seen Spamalot twice, but I wouldn't consider myself a massive fan. It's a lot of fun, and I love to read about theatre, so I jumped on this audiobook once I saw my library add it. It made me want to see Spamalot again, though I have a feeling it will never play as well as it did in the early 2000s again, especially after reading about its reception then.

This is a really nice, quick look into the process of bringing Spamalot to Broadway. We don't get a lot of detail about the creative process, but we get a general overview of the cast and some of the creative team, notably the director and choreographer. We get to hear about numbers that were cut and alternative song arrangements, and we also get to hear about how certain roles became shaped to better showcase their performers. That's all interesting, and I loved hearing about the cast, particularly Tim Curry and Christian Borle.

We touch just a bit on its Broadway run and awards success, and we get just a few pages about the 2024 production, which is honestly more than I anticipated.

If you're a fan of the show or of Monty Python or just enjoy theatre stories, I'd recommend this. The audiobook is only 4 hours long. It's worth the time.

[Ted Wenskus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, fun read that documents just how much creative energy and effort goes into making a Broadway smash hit. As a lifelong Python fan who has also been working in theatre for a couple decades now, this ticked the boxes for me, as I love reading about the creative process. The rewrites, the consolidations, the PR ... it's a great peek behind the curtain.

I would say that, while I darn well knew that a multi-million dollar production was at stake, I never got the feeling that there was any real danger of anything/everything going off the rails. Now, for Eric and everyone involved in Spamalot, that's great! So glad it worked out as well as it did (and I saw Spamalot on its initial NYC run). But as a griping dramatic read, it does lack a bit of tension. I was going to read this anyway regardless, but for those looking for almost unsurmountable obstacles to be overcome, well, there are some challenges in here, but you may leave a touch disappointed on that front.

Still, I definitely recommend this to any Python fan (and the other Pythons *do* make appearances in here) and to those interested in the history of Broadway theatre. Ni!

[Sherry Chiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up from 3.5

This is pretty much what it says on the tin: Eric Idle's diaries from the conception of "Monty Python's Spamalot" to the Tony Awards where it won several prizes. Unfortunately most of his input was writing the book and lyrics—crucial, of course, but the writing process in and of itself is not all that thrilling for anyone other than the writer. We get some insight into pacing dilemmas and some disagreements between Idle and director Mike Nichols, but overall the production seems to have gone smoothly, which again, doesn't make for especially exciting reading. I'd have liked to have seen more of the rehearsals, the staging, the choreography process, but I guess Idle wasn't privy to all of that, or he was being circumspect given the major talents involved. So while it was a quick, pleasant read, it's not a must read, unless you're a Python completist.

Thank you, NetGalley and Crown Publishing, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Spamalot Diaries is a collection of diary entries made by Eric Idle of Monty Python fame as he prepares to launch Spamalot, a musical based on Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Disclaimer - I didn't like the movie (I fell asleep in the middle) but I laughed myself silly at the touring production of the musical. It really is as hysterical as Idle proclaims it to be in this book.

This is a terrific, and occasionally vulgar, behind-the-scenes look at making a Broadway show. It's filled with anecdotes about casting, constant scene rewrites, and how to actually choose what to put in and what to leave. The name dropping is ridiculous here, and for some reason, Idle felt the need to toss in some commentary on politics (which automatically drops a star from my rating - it had absolutely nothing to do with the story and reflects a complete blindness on who some of his readers might be).

Not family friendly in any way.

Thanks to Netgalley and Crown Publishing. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Ray Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan of Monty Python. I mention this because Spamalot is a walk down memory lane for me. The play is a musical Broadway production of an old film that has a huge cult following which includes me. Going behind the scenes with Eric Idle is delightful. He wrote the show and hired Mike Nichols to direct it. With a world class cast that included Tim Curry, Hank Azaria, Michael Hyde Peirce and others, the show has won awards and toured the entire world over the last 20 years.

While moving, Idle came across the diary he kept along with notes and emails. He assembled this narrative as a book for fans to get a personal tour of what was going on behind the scenes as the production took shape. I am fascinated to see and hear some of the scenes and songs that were cut! Sadly, the cut scenes are not available, but almost all the songs are, cut from the show or not!

Again, I've read everything Python I have found from biographies and memoirs to Michale Palin’s travel books. If you are at all interested, this is a quick read and well worth the time. Enjoy!