Monty Python reunion shows to feature Stephen Hawking

The Cambridge physicist is said to be a 'big Python fan'

Lucy Anna Gray
Tuesday 01 July 2014 01:24 BST
Comments
The five remaining members of Monty Python
The five remaining members of Monty Python (Reuters)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

As one of the fastest selling shows of all time, Monty Python Live (mostly) is receiving support from the strangest of places.

In an unlikely match, scientist Stephen Hawking is teaming up with the troupe for their reunion shows.

Alongside Professor Brian Cox, Hawking will feature in the opening show at London's O2 arena tomorrow night.

Speaking at a press conference in London today, Python Eric Idle said of the iconic physicist: “He's a big Python fan so he was asked if he would and he said within one minute 'yes”'.

Not only has Hawking exposed his Python fandom, but Rolling Stones stars Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts have also come out of the woodwork.

The press conference opened with a promotional sketch featuring the two musicians sending up the concerts, with Jagger asking why the audience wanted to watch a “bunch of wrinkly old men trying to relive their youth and make a load of money”.

The 70 year-old rock legend then goes on to dictate a Rolling Stones set list featuring the band's most well-known hits.

It’s not just rock stars and scientists on the bill; comedian David Walliams will host the red carpet interviews on the final night of the tour (20 July) in a Last Night of the Proms style, according to Idle.

For those that missed out on the first batch of tickets, which sold out in an extraordinary 44 seconds, 600 previously unreleased tickets to all the shows will be available to buy later today.

The last night will be broadcast live on the comedy channel Gold and in cinemas in more than 100 countries.

Monty Python Live (Mostly) runs for 10 nights at the O2 from Tuesday 1 July.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in