Eric Idle gets on stage for Monty Python's Spamalot at Stratford Festival

The Stratford Festival is no stranger to star power, but those experiencing Monty Python's Spamalot got a lot more than they paid for.

Eric Idle was in the audience of the Saturday evening performance, but they only discovered this when he was called up on stage.

The British actor, comedian, musician, and creator of the musical sang and whistled along with "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life."

The appearance was also a surprise to many of the cast too.

"It's 50 years on June 3 since Monty Python arrived at Pearson Airport," said Idle. "50 years since we toured Canada. It's really fabulous."

Idle told CTV News it was his first time visiting Stratford and first time seeing Spamalot in about five years. He also credited the performers for doing a great job bringing the story to life.

"It's a very good theatre venue," said Idle. "Everyone is very professional that was on stage, and you've got to be pretty good to be here anyways. I thought they were fabulous. I thought they did a really good job.

"I love the direction. I love the way she took it. It was funny. Made me laugh even after all these years I laughed. I haven't seen it for about five years perhaps with the lockdown and all that. It was a thrill to see it again. It's very sweet."

Idle starred in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which the musical Spamalot is based on, back in 1975.