A packed room at the Ellington Jazz Club greeted Adelaide’s Antony Hubmayer, known as Dr H, for an hour of exuberant homage to the songs of Monty Python.

Dr H at the piano led the singing and, as you’d expect from a show billed as a ‘singalong’, encouraged participation above any aspiration to tunefulness or harmony. Not surprisingly, many of the audience knew the lyrics well, especially those to the ‘classics’, and it was quite the spectacle to see and hear a room full of punters roaring out “sit on my face and tell me that you love me”!

Given the contemporary context of political correctness and wokeness, I was afraid that Dr H might avoid some of Monty Python’s more contentious ditties. Fortunately, he did not, merely inviting his audience to enjoy the songs as entertainment, and remember that they were written in a different era.

I loved the way Dr H had a hat for nearly every song, and it contributed nicely to the irreverent wackiness of the evening, especially when he remembered to put them on!

Dr H, as is his wont as a music educator, also provided a stream of fun facts and amusing anecdotes relating to Monty Python and particularly the songs. The programme of Python songs he chose brought home the prominence of Eric Idle’s contribution to the group’s musical output.

To no one’s surprise, but everyone’s delight, the evening ended with a rendition of Eric Idle’s most famous song, ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’. A most appropriate note on which to send us out into the night.

What a shame there is only one show in FRINGE WORLD in 2026, but I’m sure Dr H will be back.