John Cleese introduces Monty Python and the Holy Grail at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, then answers questions on the film, with all proceeds going to the conservation charity Tusk.
John Cleese of Monty Python introduces a screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in Covent Garden on Monday 14 December 2026. After the film, he takes questions from the stage.
Born in Weston-super-Mare in 1939, Cleese studied at Cambridge and performed with the Footlights. He first wrote and performed for television on The Frost Report in 1966.
In 1969 he and five fellow writers launched Monty Python’s Flying Circus. The Holy Grail followed in 1975, with Cleese as the limbless Black Knight among other parts.
He wrote Fawlty Towers with Connie Booth and played Basil Fawlty. He then wrote and starred in A Fish Called Wanda in 1988.
The 90-minute film came 15th in a BBC poll of the funniest films ever made. In conversation, Cleese talks about how it was made and what Monty Python became. The evening follows a sold-out UK tour.
All proceeds go to Tusk, the African conservation charity of which Cleese is a patron and ambassador. The Prince of Wales has been its Royal Patron since 2005.