More dead parrots as Monty Python's Flying Circus goes live (mostly)

“Please, this is supposed to be a happy occasion. Let’s not bicker and argue over who killed who.”

‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’ returns to the stage with the
“Monty Python Live (mostly): One Down, Five to Go” show at London’s O2 Arena.

Such is the popularity of the comedy troupe that the first show sold out in 43.5 seconds.

Eric Idle is one of the founder members: “It makes sense to do one last live. When we thought it was going to be the last one, we thought “wouldn’t it be wonderful to put it on around the world so it’s a world event!.” It’s on American television, Australia as well, all over the place and that is really quite exciting. It means that you’re actually going to say goodbye publicly and nobody has the chance to do that. The Beatles didn’t get a last goodnight and I think it’s rather lovely. I think it’s dear and sweet and gracious and I am very grateful that it has come to be.”

The show contains all the old favourites quoted endlessly in bars and bedsits since the TV series first started in 1969.

Eric Idle continues: “What happened was after we did the Hollywood Bowl, we did “The Meaning of Life” so none of that stuff has ever been seen. We’ve never done it publicly so we do a bit of that and we’ve added a lot of songs and music to it. In fact we’ve kind of brought back a musical revue, which used to be the form in the 50s and nobody’s ever done it since, probably for a very good reason, But it works quite nicely because it means when we do a sketch, a song, a python song will break out and I have to say it’s pretty filthy.”

The dead python Graham Chapman who passed away in 1989 at the age of 48 makes an appearance.

And in the words of the classic python song “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”

“Forget about your sin – give the
audience a grin
Enjoy it – it’s your last chance
anyhow.”