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An evening of comedy, music, philosophy and one fart joke
After a highly successful Tour of Australia and New Zealand Eric Idle is bringing his new show to the UK in September: ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE, LIVE!
A rare survivor of pancreatic cancer, he sings, ironically, “this may be the last time you see me” in an evening of rude songs, some singalongs, inappropriate remarks, reminiscences of fame, fortune and rare footage, plus a Virtual Band and surprise guests.
In this one man musical, Eric, accompanied by The Virtual Band, a sort of Infinite Monkees Cage band, bids a fond farewell to old friends like George Harrison, Robin Williams and Neil Innes with rare footage from and a salute to The Rutles. The Beatles parody movie he created, which was the world’s first ever mocumentary about the legendary pre-fab four, Dirk, Nasty, Stig and Barry.
Eric Idle, star of stage, screen and crossword puzzle, has often been compared to Noel Coward. But never favourably. A legend in his own lunchtime, he reveals how he accidentally fell into comedy in 1963 and has been unable to climb out ever since.
He has been in show business since 1963. “Unfortunately, I can’t find the exit” he says. “My role in life seems to be cheering people up,” he adds glumly.
Idle’s last solo UK performance was in front of a global audience of two billion at the London 2012 Olympic Games closing ceremony. Leading an 80,000-strong crowd in a sing-along of 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life', he was surrounded by a lively spectacle of Morris dancers, a choir of rugby players, and even skating nuns.
Two years later, in 2014, he reunited with Monty Python for Monty Python Live (Mostly)—a sold-out, ten-night run at the O2 which he wrote and directed.
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, coincidentally the title of his best-selling Sortabiography, has been the No.1 most requested ditty at British funerals for over twenty years.
It also appears in the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Broadway hit Spamalot, which Eric wrote with John Du Prez, and which returned to Broadway a year ago with rave reviews and packed houses and which starts a tour of the US in September.
His recent book, The Spamalot Diaries, an intimate look at the making of that show, was released last year.
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, LIVE!
Receiving my tickets was a nightmare!!! I never received a message to say that they were not available on-line, but only available to collect in person at The Albert Hall on the day. Really stressful! But on the night, everything was perfect. The evening with Eric Idle was joyful, intimate and nostalgic. Comedy at its best. It was a night to remember and left us wanting to hear more.
This was brilliant from start to finish, I didn't know what the format would be but it worked really well. Funny stories, touching, poignant memories, one man and a virtual band that captivated the audience...oh, and of course one fart joke!
We got to see the funniest Python and Dirk McQuickly of The Rutles at the same show! 😁 Eric was in great form and was dropping names all over the place (but what names they were!), and sang a few songs as well, including one that he wrote for his good friend George Harrison, the real saviour of 'Life of Brian'!
A hugely engaging evening, coupled with help from your REAL BOX OFFICE! Congratulations to Eric Idle for a fascinating and varied evening of stories, music, fond memories of his friends. Pure delight!