Holy Flying Circus (BBC-4 2011 Stephen Fry, Darren Boyd

BBC 4 one off comedy drama Holy Flying Circus follows the hoopla surrounding the Monty Python’s team hugely controversial (but also hugely popular) 1979 movie The Life of Brian and in best Python style it also features off kilter animation and puppetry to help tell the story.

Controller of BBC Four Richard Klein said the production was a “smart and witty take on both the nature of censorship and the world of Monty Python. Tony Roche’s script is both bold and entertaining, a wonderfully warm homage to one of the most original of British comedy teams.” For us though one of the highlights is going to be seeing people like Darren Boyd playing John Cleese and Steve Punt playing Eric Edle.

production details
cast
Stephen Fry as God
Darren Boyd as John Cleese
Charles Edwards as Michael Palin
Rufus Jones as Terry Jones
Phil Nichol as Terry Gilliam
Tom Fisher as Graham Chapman / Tramp
Steve Punt as Eric Idle

crew
Writer: Tony Roche
Producers: Polly Leys, Kate Norrish
Executive Producer: Matthew Read
Director: Owen Harris

UK / BBC Four -– Hillbilly Television – TalkbackThames / 89 minutes / 2011