Regal Theatre: Perth, Western Australia January 30th 2012.
There was no doubt a high sense of anticipation entering the theatre for last night's audience with comic genius John Cleese. Few performers of our time can be labelled "comic royalty" in the vein of this Monty Python legend. With his ever-lasting affinity for the absurd, Cleese has given so much to the world in his own personal form of 'best medicine'.
In a "This is Your Life" style presentation, Cleese recounted a personal journey, starting with his years growing up in the seaside town of Weston-Super-Mare. Telling the story of his life and career one could not help but feel this was a man blessed with talent and opportunity. He spoke of his parents, his inspiration to become a comedian and of course the origins of Monty Python and Fawlty Towers.
Much of the material has been heard before and although obviously scripted, delivered by Cleese it remains extemporaneous and amusing. There were plenty of laughs as he described his relationship with his mother who as he recounts was "distant, lacking in maternal instinct and invariably depressed".
In a thoughtfully framed junket of his later life he mused over anecdotes of celebrity peers and personally selected clips from Python and Fawlty Towers. His personal favourite, the battle with the black knight from Monty Python's 'Holy Grail' is amongst them, "come back and I'll bite your legs off!" Cleese's assertion this scene was nearly cut from the movie due to its 'black' nature was one of a number of surprise facts conveyed during the performance.
A sentimental tribute was paid to colleague and co-writer Graham Chapman, including a short video of his dark though extremely amusing funeral eulogy. Particular attention was paid to Chapman's abhorrence of "mindless good behaviour" and his often-public demonstrations that reinforced the fact.
After less than two hours (including a 20 minute interval), it was difficult not to feel disappointed with a performance that sadly lacked new material. Cleese is not shy to the pretence his world tour is selfishly aimed at filling his coffers to cover debts associated with another matrimonial failure. Making no bones of the fact he owes millions to ex-wife Alyce Faye Eichelberger, the ticket price felt like a donation to the cause.
Cleese has described his former wife as the "spiritual godchild of Blackbeard the pirate and Heather Mills". Entering their relationship in 1990 living in a council flat in London with two sons from a previous marriage, Eichelberger exited in 2009 with a reported million. His former spouse surprisingly featured very little in Cleese's routine.
A promised Q & A session at nights end was cut short to just two questions from an eager crowd. The comic master unexpectedly and abruptly absconded from stage leaving the audience understandably mystified. His time owed to a devoted congregation was quite obviously up!
Despite its disappointments, his first solo tour is an essential evenings entertainment for true comedy aficionados of all generations. John Cleese's financial predicament is indeed a boon for Australian comedy fans.
Review: "An Evening With John Cleese" Check For The New Release in Health, Fitness & Dieting Category of Books NOW!
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