Ugly Betty actor
Alan Dale is set to show off his acting chops on stage, having recently landed the role of King Arthur in the London production of
Monty Python's Spamalot. Dale is taking over the role for Peter Davidson, who succeeded Simon Russell Beale and Tim Curry (
Psych).
Alan Dale, who portrayed publishing mogul Bradford Meade on
Ugly Betty, is making his Spamalot debut on Monday, March 3. Appearing with him on stage is the winner of the Swedish reality series,
West End Star, who will replace Marin Mazzie as the Lady of the Lake starting on February 9.
West End Star's current season is scheduled to conclude on Saturday, February 2.
Spamalot is a Tony Award-winning comedy production that serves as a highly irreverent parody of the Arthurian legend. It is based on the 1975 comedy
Monty Python and the Holy Grail, but is distinct from the film in many ways, especially when it parodies Broadway theater. There are numerous versions of play around the world, including Broadway (New York), U.S. Tour, Las Vegas and Melbourne. The London version opened at the Palace Theater in 2006, and received seven Laurence Olivier Award nominations last year.
Alan Dale's
Spamalot character is currently being portrayed by such other actors as Jonathan Hadary (Broadway cast), Michael Sibbery (U.S. Tour cast), Randal Keith (Las Vegas cast) and Bille Brown (Melbourne cast).
While Dale has extensive theater credits, the 60-year-old actor has also experienced much success in the realm of television and film. In Australia, he became well-known for his portrayal of Jim Robinson on the soap,
Neighbours. When he came to the United States, he landed roles in several primetime shows, most notably the teen drama
The O.C. and
Ugly Betty.
Coincidentally, his characters on all three shows died of a heart attack.
Now, Dale is appearing alongside West End favorite
John Barrowman on the
Doctor Who spin-off,
Torchwood, and is starring on the ITV drama series, Midnight Man.
-Lisa Claustro, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Spamalot Official Website, Playbill
(Image Courtesy of ABC)