Still upright at 85, John Cleese to bring sit-down comedy to Israel
Co-creator of Monty Python, ‘Fawlty Towers’ and other comic hits — who touted his 2019 appearance as the last chance to see him alive — to play Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in June
Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
John Cleese, the legendary comedian who charmed the globe as a member of the Monty Python troupe, and in “Fawlty Towers” and “A Fish Called Wanda” among other hits, will return to Israel for three shows in June.
Cleese, 85, will perform his new show, “An Evening with John Cleese,” in Jerusalem on June 26, and in two Tel Aviv locations on June 28 and 29.
The show is pegged as an up-close and personal encounter with the British creator and actor as he tells his life story, reminiscing about all kinds of moments in his history.
Reviewers of the show have commented on Cleese’s brand of “sit-down” comedy — as he jokes that he’s too old to do stand-up — as well as plenty of one-liners and stories about aging, cancel culture and politics.
Cleese will probably comment on Israeli politics as well, something he’s been known to do, but with a gentle approach.
Cleese last appeared in Israel in 2019 for a set of shows titled “Last Time to See Me Before I Die.”
There may be some clips from the various Monty Python films and “Fawlty Towers” TV series, as well as a Q&A portion, which Cleese has been known to offer at some performances.
Cleese’s comedy career began in 1969 when he co-founded the iconic Monty Python troupe alongside Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, and Terry Gilliam.
Their groundbreaking comedy show, “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” became a cultural phenomenon, expanding with the release of cult-classic films, including “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975), “Monty Python’s Life of Brian” (1979), and “Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life” (1983).
Cleese also created and starred in the sitcom “Fawlty Towers” in 1975, which achieved cult status among British viewers.
He also co-wrote and starred in the hit film “A Fish Called Wanda” (1988), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. More recently, Cleese appeared as Nearly Headless Nick in two Harry Potter films.
Cleese has lived in Los Angeles since the early 1990s.
Tickets are priced between NIS 374 and NIS 554.
