British Comedy Guide

Press clippings Page 6

Monty Python? They're not even funny to start with

Comedy doesn't age well. Ask any Shakespearean actor. Gags that must have had the groundlings splitting their sides back in the Bard's day leave modern audiences stoney-faced, however hard the actors gurn and gesticulate. Of course, not all humour goes off at the same rate. By my estimate, Peter Sellers's Pink Panther films, some of which are now more than 50 years old, have many years of laughter ahead of them before they hit their sell-by date.

The same is not true of Monty Python.

James Marriott, The Times, 20th June 2018

'Oxbridge white blokes' have had their day

A young Monty Python would not get their big break on the BBC today because they are "six Oxbridge white blokes", the corporation's head of comedy has said as he launched a new drive for diversity.

Anita Singh, The Telegraph, 19th June 2018

BBC would shun Monty Python and Goodies today

Shows like Monty Python that feature "six Oxbridge white blokes" would not be commissioned by the BBC today, the corporation's head of comedy has admitted.

Comedy stars from John Cleese and Eric Idle to Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie built successful television careers after honing their craft at Cambridge Footlights, but the national broadcaster is now looking for more diversity.

Matthew Moore, The Times, 19th June 2018

Michael Palin films travel series in North Korea

Monty Python star Michael Palin has filmed a new documentary series in North Korea, for Channel 5.

British Comedy Guide, 21st May 2018

Monty Python's 10 funniest sketches

As a Monty Python treasure-trove arrives on Netflix - including Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian and Monty Python's Flying Circus - it's the perfect moment to look back at 10 of the very best sketches from the masters of surreal comedy.

The Telegraph, 16th April 2018

Everything Monty Python is coming to Netflix

Pretty much Monty Python's entire back catalogue is coming to Netflix UK, with a Netflix US arrival to follow later in the year.

Christopher Hooton, The Independent, 22nd March 2018

Lots of Monty Python is heading to Netflix UK

Netflix has released information as to what's going to be added to its streaming service in the UK next month. And fans of Monty Python in particular are going to be pleased.

Cult Box, 25th January 2018

Michael Palin: 10 Monty Python reunion shows enough

Michael Palin has bad news for Monty Python fans - there is no prospect of any kind of reunion.

The Irish News, 7th January 2018

Review: Monty Python's Spamalot (2017)

Spamalot is so full of fun it's hard to keep a smile off your face. A great night for all the family.

Imogen Rowe, Edinburgh Guide, 28th September 2017

Monty Python and the Holy Grail fell foul of censors

Think of a Monty Python film with blasphemous content, and Life of Brian springs to mind. Yet previously unseen files from the British Board of Film Classification show that the comedy team's earlier offering, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, fell foul of the censors for repeated use of the words 'Jesus Christ!'

Anita Singh, The Telegraph, 24th March 2017

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