A ridiculously Happy 74th to Arthur Putey, Mr. Gumby, the It’s Man, Cardinal Ximenez, Heinrich Bimmler, Mr. Pither, Sir Galahad the Pure, Ex-Leper, Ken Pile, Luigi Vercotti, Debbie Katzenberg. And so many more…
Category Archives: Monty Python
At Last Absolutely Anything!
U.S. Fans of Terry Jones, Monty Python and Robin Williams have been waiting a while to hear this news: at last there is a U.S. release scheduled for Absolutely Anything, written and directed by Terry. Here are the details.
School’s In…
If you’ve been putting off taking classes at the iO Chicago, wait no further. A new session is starting, and if you’re not careful, you may even find yourself in one of my classes. Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 6:30, I’ll be teaching Talk Show Packet (part of Michael McCarthy’s writing program), in which, if you put in the time and the work, you’ll find yourself with a packet of material to submit to your favorite TV talk show!
But that’s not all. Next Sunday will be the first session of both of my Monty Python-inspired classes, The Python Process and PythonProv. The former will show you how to use the same writing techniques utilized by the members of Monty Python to improve your own sketch writing. It’s a great adjunct to Michael’s SNL Sketch class, and we’ll present a show at the end of the eight-week session! And let’s not forget PythonProv, a brand new type of long form improvisation in which you’ll learn how to perform Python-influenced improv.
If you’re interested, you’ll need to contact the iO very soon to sign up, and please let me know if you have any questions.
Happy Birthday Graham
Been a little while since I’ve posted. Sorry. In the past month, I’ve had one graduation, the holidays, getting the kid ready for a move and a new job, and getting ready for another Cleese trip, not to mention my 103-year old Aunt Betty passing away unexpectedly.
But this would have been Graham Chapman’s 76 birthday, and that’s always worth a thought. Graham was an active member of Python for 20 years, and a considerably less active Python for 28 years now. It took nothing less than death to slow him down, and even then, he’s still been popping up in places like the O2 show, and making an ash of himself in various reunions. In fact, one thing that Graham never was, was inactive, and I’m glad that trend continues.
I’ll start posting more regularly as I travel with Mr. C this month. If you’re in the Northeast or parts of the Midwestern US, keep watching–John Cleese is coming your way. And in keeping with our theme, he’ll doubtless have lots to say about Graham.
RIP Andrew Sachs
I would be remiss if I didn’t pause to note the passing of the wonderful Andrew Sachs, known best to the world as Manuel in “Fawlty Towers.”
I’d like to write about what a talented actor he was, but that’s obvious to anyone who has ever seen an episode of Fawlty Towers. I can’t tell you all what a great person he was, because I was never lucky enough to actually meet him. But I do know the high regard in which John held him, and I know that his comic portrayal will live forever. And that’s a pretty great legacy, isn’t it?
#johncleese #fawltytowers
HBD Terry!
Happy birthday @terrygilliam, hope you get a brand new film this year. NOT an impossible dream! #terrygilliam #montypython
HBD John!
Happy birthday @johncleese, celebrating in Seattle on tour with @ericidle #cleeseandidle
The Walking Cleese
People often ask me “Would John Cleese recap all six seasons of The Walking Dead? Please?”
Because you asked so politely:
John and Eric
Just a few short hours from now, @johncleese and @ericidle will be taking the stage in Victoria, B.C. for the first of nearly three dozen North American shows down the west coast and across the Southwest and South. Here’s the info if you’re interested. Me? I’m going to take a nap. The thought of that schedule has me exhausted. #montypython #johncleese #ericidle #johnanderic
Cleese on Grail
Looks like it’s okay to announce this now.
If you’re disappointed because your part of America didn’t have a chance to see Eric and John last year and this year. you’re still out of luck. But if you’ve always wanted to see Monty Python and the Holy Grail presented by John, with a full discussion of the film and audience Q&A, you’re in luck. During the month of January, there will be lots and lots of opportunities. Only three have been announced so far, but there will be more. Honest.
14 January – Providence Performing Arts Centre, Rhode Island. Tickets are on-sale NOW, right here.
20 January – The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, Maine. You can access the PRE-SALE tickets using the password: GRAIL here. Pre-sale ends Monday 10 October at 10pm.
22 January – The Chicago Theatre, Chicago. Tickets are on-sale NOW, right, here.
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