SPAMALOT, Mercury Theatre, Colchester. Until May 13. 01206 573948.

ONE of Monty Python's classic catchphrases was 'Stop that, it's silly'.

But when it comes to the Mercury Theatre's new production of the Python's one and only smash hit musical, in my opinion, you cannot be silly enough.

In this current economic and political climate, silliness is what keeps us going and in terms of pure escapism from everything that is bad in the world, you couldn't do much better than this spectacle.

And that's pretty much what makes the Mercury's Spamalot such a great evening out. It's a proper gag fest of individual comedy moments that leave you with aching sides but a huge smile on your face.

It doesn't particularly set the world on fire in terms of deep philosophical thought but for what it lacks in serious theatre, it makes up for with catapulting cows and the world's deadliest rabbit.

Based on Monty Python's The Holy Grail film, it doesn't have much of a story either, apart from going in search of the Grail, or examinations of characters relationships with each other - perhaps King Arthur and his horse Patsy at a massive push.

But none of that matters because when you go to see Spamalot all you really want to see is knights having their legs cut off or stripping down to sparkly pants to dance a disco number about being gay.

And that's what you get.

In any ensemble piece such as this, it's tough picking people out but Bob Harms brilliant dead pan Arthur is a huge hit as is Dale Superville's sweet and very funny companion. And for sheer vocal fireworks, Sarah Harlington is worth the ticket price on her own. Match that with a terrific Sara Perks set and various backstage effects, this is a show not to be missed.