Monty Python to stage London show

The remaining members of Monty Python have confirmed they will perform together at London’s O2 Arena more than 30 years after their last performance on stage.

The veteran comedy troupe — John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, and Terry Jones — announced the news at a madcap launch.

Monty Python Live (mostly) at The O2, July 2014. #montypythonreunion

— Monty Python (@montypython) November 21, 2013

They promised the return of some of their most famous routines, including a likely performance of the dead parrot sketch, but Cleese has ruled out a re- run of one of his best loved moments, the Ministry of Silly Walks.

“I have an artificial knee and an artificial hip so there’s no chance of that,” he said.

Idle said: “I think you can expect a little comedy, a lot of pathos, some music and a tiny bit of ancient sex.”

The show, which will take place on Jul 1, is described as having “modern, typical, Pythonesque twists”. Their last major live show was at the Hollywood Bowl in 1982.

“We’ll be doing material we’ve never done live. There’ll be quite a lot of that,” said Idle, before pointing out that most people find new songs the low point of most concerts.

“We’re hoping people will have forgotten so they’ll appear new.”

The Pythons have amassed millions of fans for their groundbreaking, anarchic comedy series and films, which also launched their own successful solo careers. There has been excitement around the world after news of a possible reunion emerged earlier this week with the team supposedly entertaining bids to host the one-off performance.

The announcement was made at London’s Playhouse Theatre, where the Python musical Spamalot is running.

Actor Warwick Davis, who recently appeared in Spamalot, hosted the event and poked fun at Fifa as he announced what was said to be the winning bid, claiming the venue would be “Qatar”.