John Cleese Packs it in (Page 1/1)
TheDigitalAlchemist JUL 29, 09:41 AM
In Cinemas 13 November 2025. Get your tickets now!
www.johncleeseincinemas.com

1 85-year-old Man, 5 Countries, 16 Cities, 23 shows, 6 weeks.

Will he make it home … or is this the end of the road?

One of the most recognisable figures in British comedy, John Cleese’s career spans six decades - from his early days with the Cambridge Footlights to co-founding Monty Python, co-creating Fawlty Towers, and writing and starring in the Oscar-nominated “A Fish Called Wanda”. His unique brand of black humour has made him a global icon and intergalactic treasure.

At the age of eighty five, John Cleese sets off on what might be his final European tour - five countries, sixteen cities, twenty-three shows, and retaining just two original body parts. “John Cleese Packs It In” is a wry, behind-the-scenes portrait of a comedy legend on the road, battling various ailments, chaotic travel, and his own stubborn refusal to stop.

Spanning six weeks on the road, the film captures Cleese unfiltered and on the move - riffing on life, fame, and the absurdity of getting old in front of thousands of fans. As he reflects on a stage career that began in 1963, the question lingers: is this the end of the road?

With unique and intimate access and showing unexpected tenderness, this is a documentary about legacy, laughter, and the dignity of bowing out...however reluctantly.
Raydar JUL 29, 11:13 AM
We went to see him in Atlanta, a few years ago. He did a running narration of The Holy Grail.
Afterwards, he did a question-and-answer session that turned political.

Yeah, no. If you want to risk pissing off half of your audience (although this was at Symphony Hall, so probably somewhat less than half) you're not that entertaining. Or intelligent.
Pass.
Patrick JUL 29, 02:09 PM

quote
Originally posted by Raydar:

If you want to risk pissing off half of your audience (although this was at Symphony Hall, so probably somewhat less than half) you're not that entertaining. Or intelligent.
Pass.



LOL... well, John Cleese is from the UK. It all ties in with what I stated Here.
82-T/A [At Work] JUL 30, 08:55 AM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

LOL... well, John Cleese is from the UK. It all ties in with what I stated Here.




You linked to my response? He was political long before then. There are a lot of people from the UK that feel otherwise. Just saying, politics is largely something that should be kept out of entertainment, unless the nature of what you're doing itself is political (for a specific audience). Many actors take their politics too seriously, and end up alienating half their audience. I'm with Raydar on this. I'll enjoy Monty Python for what they were back in the day. Last thing I want is to pay to be lectured, and not get class credits and a degree out of it.
Patrick JUL 30, 02:59 PM

quote
Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]:

You linked to my response?



No, I linked to my post. It shouldn't be difficult to figure out that it's the last two sentences which are relevant to this discussion.


quote
Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]:

...politics is largely something that should be kept out of entertainment



I actually tend to agree. So I'm not totally onboard with John Cleese (in this particular case) getting political, but my initial response to Raydar was to indicate why I wasn't surprised.


That's odd, I can hear bagpipes.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 08-04-2025).]

Raydar AUG 03, 01:02 PM

quote
Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]:
...
Just saying, politics is largely something that should be kept out of entertainment, unless the nature of what you're doing itself is political (for a specific audience). Many actors take their politics too seriously, and end up alienating half their audience.




It's why Roger Waters, especially, will never get another nickel of my money.
He's even made the statement, to the effect of, "If you don't want to hear my views, don't come to my shows." Sounds like a deal to me.