Monty Python's Flying Circus

Unrestrained swearing by some very naughty boys

The most memorable insults in Monty Python And The Holy Grail featured no swearwords, although King Arthur and his knights had to endure threats of a "fart in your general direction" as well as the suggestion that their mothers were hamsters and their fathers smelt of elderberries.

Comedy messiahs? Python often weren't funny at all

Much like Basil Fawlty pummelling his uncooperative Austin 1100 Countryman with a weaponised twig, John Cleese has been lashing out at the BBC over what he believes is the corporation's refusal to air repeats of Monty Python's Flying Circus.

There must be a place at the BBC for future Pythons

"Every one of us fights some battle, not all visible. And there are areas where the pious, reverse discrimination becomes plain potty," writes Libby Purves.

John Cleese hits back at BBC boss

John Cleese has accused the BBC of "social engineering" after its head of comedy said Monty Python's white Oxbridge males were out of step with modern television.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Weirdest musical moments in British comedy

A selection of some of the strangest songs and musical moments in British comedy.

The inside stories behind Monty Python

Extracts from Adrian Besley's new book Monty Python's Flying Circus: Hidden Secrets.