John Cleese

You're on a hiding to nothing dramatising the Monty Python story: try as you might, you're never going to be as funny as your subject. Undeterred, Roy Smiles undertook the challenge in Pythonesque, which centred on Graham Chapman's battle with booze and his early death from cancer, told in the style of those overarching comedy gods.

Written for last year's Edinburgh Festival, it probably worked better on stage, and the tone of over-egged jocularity grated somewhat. Devices such as having Eric Idle, in full "Wink-wink nudge-nudge" mode, audition Chapman and John Cleese for the Footlights were simply irritating.

For all the pastiches, even the ones that worked, it was Chapman's sombre closing speech that was truly memorable: "I was proud to be gay, proud to conquer my alcoholism, proud to be a Python, proud to write with John Cleese, and proud to play the lead in two of the funniest movies of all time. I enjoyed a full life and I was loved by many. What more can a man ask?"

Real-life Sybil Fawlty dies aged 95

Beatrice Sinclair ran Torquay hotel used by John Cleese as inspiration for classic sitcom Fawlty Towers.

John Cleese on move to 'beautiful' Georgian Bath

Monty Python funnyman John Cleese says he has fallen "in love" with his new home in Bath.

The actor and comedian has moved to the Georgian city after spending the past decade in America.

And Cleese, who was born in Weston-super-Mare and went to Bristol's Clifton College, says many people he knows are moving West.

The Amnesty International Comedy Podcast: Episode 1

Russell Brand, John Cleese, Fred MacAulay, Rob Rouse and Danielle Ward all exercise their right to freedom of expression on the inaugural Amnesty International Comedy Podcast. Expect Vaseline on the nipples, hair ruffling and bottom patting.

Girl who's made John Cleese fall in love again

It seems John Cleese has been missing the old country a little too much, as he pursues a romance with a British woman more than 30 years his junior.

John Cleese savages BBC and ITV for going downmarket

John Cleese says the word 'quality' is no longer mentioned at planning meetings.

Ex-Python John Cleese goes on first UK tour, aged 71

Former Monty Python star John Cleese is to embark on his first ever UK tour next year.

Graham Norton shows us how it's done

Despite his reputation for making great television at the expense of his guests, the stars still come flocking, and recent interviewees on The Graham Norton Show have included comedy hero John Cleese and Hollywood A-lister Jennifer Lopez.

Monty Python's John Cleese in wheelchair

John Cleese's silly walks are on hold after a busted knee left him needing a wheelchair.

Non-flying circus: John Cleese's £3,300 taxi fare

Volcanic ash cloud forces comedian to travel 1,000 miles by cab.