First, Eric Idle, the iconic comedian — and member of the legendary Monty Python comedy troupe — is preparing for an enormous one. He’ll dive into the adventure with his first full UK tour since 1973! Now at 83, Idle can’t help but look back on his remarkable life filled with trailblazing humor. He’s particularly proud of his work adapting Monty Python and the Holy Grail into the hit musical Spamalot. This tour is more than just another album for the icon, it’s a homecoming. After a long years-long sojourn in France, he finally returns to woo his largely Brit audience again.
Idle, who’s perhaps most well-known for his work with Monty Python, has always been one to challenge the limits of comedy. It’s not just Laika’s notable feature sketches and films that tell this story. In 1964, he was a member of the famous revue Beyond the Fringe, working with such future luminaries as Peter Cook and Dudley Moore. Throughout his career Idle has gone all-in on the idea that “the art of comedy is to hide the art.” This conviction is reflected in the ethos of the Footlights, where he honed his craft.
Now living in France with his wife Tania and daughter Lily, Idle has plenty of good things to say about his new homeland. It’s the kindness of the French people that he values most. He loves being surrounded by a culture very different from his own. It does take a toll on him to be separated from his family while on tour in the UK.
I miss my wife and daughter when I’m here,” he said. But at the same time, when I am in the US, I miss football and cricket terribly.
Idle’s return to the stage comes at a time when he is vocal about political issues, particularly regarding former President Donald Trump. He openly criticizes Trump, calling him a “treasonous monster who works for Putin,” and expresses a desire for accountability among those responsible for significant political mishaps.
“It’s really not the right thing to say, but let’s name the names of people responsible,” Idle remarked.
His candor doesn’t stop there. Idle shared his distaste for modern movies. He agrees with our opinion that a lot of movies are really boring and better suited for kids. This outlook is based on his conviction that authentic comedy must touch us in a profound place.
I never think it would ever produce anything unusually and beautifully hilarious. That’s its weakness, he explained regarding modern films.
Through it all, Idle’s deep joy helps him overcome what many see as the curse of fame. He recalls, among other episodes, not being able to have a quiet pint in a pub without being interrupted by fans wanting selfies. Though the attention is daunting, he sought refuge in his core passions of comedy and music.
Idle first started playing guitar at 12, after being inspired by none other than Elvis Presley. And no matter how serious his work may have become in his life, he has remained unserious towards his craft. Lastly, he likes to stress that joy should come first in performance.
As long as you are having fun, you are not performing or contributing—you are simply having fun. he said.
As he gears up for his upcoming tour, Idle looks back on the artistic writing process that has taken him from Monty Python to Broadway. He prefers working independently rather than as part of a team, famously stating, “I don’t like being part of a writing team because I don’t like talking before lunch.”
Idle’s observations on humor go further than personal anecdote. To him, comedy is fundamental to every culture and maybe every species. “I think aliens have a sense of humour because it’s about self-knowledge,” he posited, adding that every society has its unique brand of humor.
Looking forward toward the future, Idle is cautiously hopeful and looking forward to a time of happiness after rough political spells.
“What will be funny is when he leaves office and we have a big party and dance in the streets,” he remarked with hope.