Monty Python members criticise new BBC drama Holy Flying Circus

Andrew Mickel10 October 2011

The producers of the new comedy dramatisation of Monty Python have managed to spark the ire of the comedians they are portraying after being heavily criticised over inaccuracies in the show.

Holy Flying Circus, which is scheduled to be screened on October 19, focuses on the furore surrounding Monty Python in the 1970s and includes re-enactments of some of the most controversial and famous incidents including a TV debate between John Cleese and Michael Palin, and the Bishop of Southwark and Malcolm Muggeridge.

However after seeing the docu-drama both Cleese and Iain Johnstone – who produced the original TV debate – have complained over a number of inaccuracies in the script.

Speaking in the Independent fellow Python Terry Gilliam said that the drama simply ‘isn’t us’ and that some Pythons’ were reluctant to be involved in the project.

John Cleese is also reported to have offered to meet producers and be involved at an early stage but that the meeting never happened.

Speaking to the Independent Gilliam said: “I've no involvement, I just met people yesterday [sic] who's seen it and they said it's really funny.

"Some in the group thought it was a bad idea because it's not us. The thought of Python stopping anyone ... One of our members was making phone calls. Just stop it. Just stop it."

Holy Flying Circus is set to be shown on BBC For on Wednesday 19th October