Original 'Life of Brian' script to be auctioned
An original script of Monty Python's Life Of Brian, signed by John Cleese, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin will be going up for auction at the Great British Comedy Event early next month.
Hosted by Alexander Armstrong, this year's Great British Comedy Event - which is being held in support of the National Film and Television School - will also feature a main auction conducted by Lord Dalmeny of Sotheby's. In addition to the exclusive Monty Python script, attendees will have the opportunity to bid for a number of other unique lots, including the chance to sit in the famous Have I Got News for You host chair and present a round of the panel show with Ian Hislop and Paul Merton.
The auction will be celebrating the work of comedy duo French & Saunders, BBC comedy show Have I Got News for You and legendary sketch group Monty Python; with Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Ian Hislop, Paul Merton, Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin amongst those attending the auction. The evening will also feature performances from the celebrated artists.
Monty Python's Life Of Brian, released in 1979, tells the story of a young Jewish man called Brian Cohen who is born next door to Jesus Christ, and is subsequently mistaken for the Messiah. Although the film caused some controversy when it was released, it has gone on to become one of Britain's most successful movies. It has been named as 'the Greatest British comedy film of all time' in a number of influential polls and, last year, was named 'The Greatest Comedy Film Of All Time' by The Radio Times.
Michael Palin says of the script being auctioned: "This is one of the most important working scripts of Life of Brian. It belonged to our heroic, and very funny, first assistant director Jonathan Benson (A Fish Called Wanda, Local Hero etc) whose job it was to keep cast, crew and John Cleese happy every day of the shoot in Tunisia. Hence the blood sweat and tears in which it is drenched. This is a ridiculously unique souvenir of the film voted Best Comedy Of All Time by the Kirghizstan Military Academy."
The Great British Comedy Event will take place on Tuesday 8th June from 7pm at Old Billingsgate. To book a table please visit nfts.co.uk
Eric Idle, another of the principle stars of Life of Brian, was on The Graham Norton Show on Monday on which he performed Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, the hit song from the film. Here is a clip...