John Cleese

Radio Times review

As part of the 50th birthday celebrations, Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse have a laugh at the expense of pretty much everything that has ever been on BBC Two. From a Likely Lads parody to a re-imagining of The Killing (featuring Pingu), it's a catalogue of derision that barely stops for breath.

Sacred cows get the bolt gun along with everything else: Enfield does a wheezing John Cleese impression that is spot-on and makes a lovely Alan-Bennett-as-Stalin in Talking Heads of State. The show is full of these kind of involved spoofs, not all of which come off, but enough do.

My favourite was Whitehouse doing Later... with Jools Holland re-imagined as a breakfast show ("And what a treat - Jeff Beck! Jeff, perhaps, if I could prod you awake...?"), but there will be something here for everyone.

Monty Python interview

GQ talks to the iconoclasts who challenged the British establishment and ended up global comedy royalty. John Cleese, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam and Eric Idle discuss the glory years, blazing rows, groupies and the Knights Who Say Ni... Say no more!

Arlene Phillips is ready to unveil John Cleese's body

Arlene Phillips says there will be flesh on display when the members of the Monty Python team appear in their reunion show in July.

Andrew Sachs remembers filming Fawlty Towers in 1975

This is a scene from 'The Builders', the second episode of Fawlty Towers, in which Basil Fawlty [John Cleese] carries me to the hotel dining-room windows in an attempt to explain that he would like them cleaned. I wasn't hurt, but there were instances when I wasn't so lucky.

Andrew Sachs: 'John Cleese once hit me so hard'

The actor on Sachsgate, fleeing the Nazis and being thumped by Basil Fawlty.

John Cleese interview

Why the latest Monty Python show will be a new experience for John Cleese.

Simon Pegg joins Monty Python's Absolutely Anything

Simon Pegg has joined the cast of Absolutely Anything, the film in which Monty Python's Terry Jones, John Cleese, Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam provide the voices of alien creatures.

Audio: John Cleese and Michael Palin on Python Reunion

John Cleese told The Today Programme it has been "extraordinary to have such a positive reaction" since announcing their reunion.

Beware: Reciting Python routines can become a curse

Columnist Charlie Catchpole says Eric Idle, John Cleese and Co were rebellious and fearless. But we simply didn't get it.

Video - John Cleese: More Python dates if tickets sell

Following the announcement of the reunion of the legendary Monty Python team, John Cleese has suggested it may not be a one-off performance.

Talking to Andrew Marr, Cleese added the forthcoming arena show would include memorable Python moments and that further shows might be added, depending on ticket sales. Cleese added the team would be "having fun" while 'paying off Terry Jones' mortgage'.