Python storms the Tonys

A "resplendently silly" new Monty Python musical has taken three top trophies at the prestigious Tony Awards in America.

Spamalot, inspired by the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, was named best musical at the star-studded theatre ceremony in New York last night.

Mike Nichols took best director and Sara Ramirez, who plays the Lady of the Lake, was best featured actress in a musical.

The£6 million production, which has broken Broadway box office records, was penned by former Python Eric Idle, 62, and stars British actor Tim Curry as King Arthur and ex-Frasier star David Hyde Pierce.

Nichols - whose recent credits include hit film Closer - thanked Idle, "from whom all blessings flow".

He later admitted that he had feared not getting any awards after picking up 14 nominations.

"I sat there thinking 'We're in the toilet, this is backlash big time'... but then it turned out OK," he said.

Spamalot producer Bill Haber said: "Now for something completely different - let's not thank Eric Idle, who was the genius behind this, and Monty Python." Idle, ever the clown, promptly slid through the crowd on stage and fell to the floor.

The New York Times's influential critic Ben Brantley - whose reviews can make or break a show - declared Spamalot a "resplendently silly new musical".

The show - now tipped to transfer to the West End - remains largely faithful to the 1975 movie but it also is a spoof on musicals - including those of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

At the 59th awards at the Radio City Music Hall, there was success for London Irish playwright Martin McDonagh, whose The Pillowman took two awards for scenic design and lighting.