Monty Python was a British comedy group formed in 1969 consisting of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. Over 4 series, they produced 45 comedy sketch episodes for the BBC. Their surreal humor style influenced later British and American comedy. The group members came from a variety of backgrounds but found success through their unique absurdist comedy sketches and films.

1. Monty Python

2. Who are they?
Monty Python was a British surreal comedy group, which
was a comedy sketch that aired on the BBC on the 5th
October 1969.
The programme aired 45 episodes over 4 series.
The series was conceived, written and preformed by
members Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam,
Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin.

3. Influences
Their influence on British comedy has been apparent for
years and whilst in North America is has coloured the
work of cult performers from the early editions of Saturday
Night Life through to more recent absurdist trends in
television comedy.

4. Graham Chapman
Graham was born on the 8th January 1941 and lived until the 4th
October 1989.
He was a English comedian, writer, actor and one of the 6 members of
the Monty Python.
He was educated at Melton Mowbray Grammer School and studied
medicine at Emmanuel College in Cambridge and later in St
Bartholomews Medical College.

5. Eric Idle
Eric was born on the 29th March 1943 and is aged 71.
He was a comedian, actor, author, singer, writer and comedic
composer.
At this time school was a charitable foundation dedicated to the
education and maintenance of children who had lost one or both
parents.
Idle quoted ‘It was physically abusive, bullying, harsh environment for a
kid to grow up in…Perfect training for Python.’

6. Terry Gilliam
Terry was born on the 22nd November 1940.
He was an American born, British screen writer, film director, animator,
actor and member of Monty Python.
The family moved to a LA neighborhood of Panorama City in 1952. He
attended Birmingham High School where he was class present and
senior prom king. He was voted ‘most likely to succeed’ and achieved
straight A’s.

7. Monty Python Sketch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sljSf7KVlQ
Monty Python was mostly set in Scotland within castles such as Doune
Castle, Castle Stalker and Glen Coe.
Originally the characters were going to ride real horses, however when
the producers came to terms with their low budget the actors mimicked
riding the horses with crew trotted behind them bashing coconuts
together.