The sound of banging coconut shells is coming with a new production of Spamalot at the Pump House Theatre.

Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table and features show girls, witch-burnings - apparently cancelled due to health & safety, flying cows, killer rabbits and French people.

I spoke to Tom Stevenson, who plays King Arthur but can be found at Watford’s Walkabout while he auditions for drama school, to find out more.

“It essentially incorporates everything from all the Monty Python movies” he tells me. “I love Monty Python, it is one of the first things I remember watching when I was younger, my dad showed it to me so I’ve always been a big fan. So it’s been really fun, it’s one of those shows where there’s so much in it so its hard work. When it starts to come together it’s a lot of good fun, it’s a really great show.”

Tom, who grew up in Hemel Hempstead and went to Queen’s School in Bushey, has been performing with Pump House for nine years. I wondered if he still gets nervous.

“Yes but I think everybody does. It’s a good thing. The things I get nervous about aren’t about if I do well, its hoping the whole production is good. Half the nerves focus on yourself, the other half is where you’re nervous for everyone else as well because you want them to do well as well. If you do well they look good, if they do well you look good.

“One of the best things about Pump House is you’re not just performing with a random bunch of people, you’ve known most of them for years so it’s like performing with a family. That’s why its always fun to do the shows.”

Pump House Theatre & Arts Trust, 5 Local Board Road, Watford, WD17 2JP, January 19 to 21, and 24 to 28. Details: 01923 241362