John Cleese Packs It In review
This frank documentary about the comedian’s European tour reveals the realities of travelling in your 80s.
This frank documentary about the comedian’s European tour reveals the realities of travelling in your 80s.
At the age of 85, John Cleese went on a European tour: five countries, 16 cities, 23 shows. He played to sell-out audiences of thousands of fans. Why? Because he needed the money.
So he tells us at the start of this frank documentary, which begins as an amusing portrait of a grumpy traveller who’s smarting from an expensive divorce, before morphing into a thoughtful reflection on the power of comedy. And, of course, it comes just weeks after the sad passing of Prunella Scales.
The star of Fawlty Towers and Monty Python has always had a dark sense of humour, and he makes withering jokes at the expense of his small team, who follow him on tour and patiently attend to his needs. But he’s also self-aware, more or less admitting that he’s a demanding boss. His affection appears to be reserved for his cats, and his fourth wife, Jennifer Wade, as he bids them a fond farewell and keeps in touch with regular calls.
Whatever you make of Cleese as a person, it’s an interesting doc about the realities of travelling and working in your 80s, peppered with recollections from his career. Also look out for a surprise appearance from the Dalai Lama: apparently he’s a Fawlty Towers fan.
(Hero image credit: Medium Sized Fish Productions Ltd)
John Cleese Packs It In is showing at UK cinemas from Thursday 13 November.
Your chance to win cruise for two to Cádiz, Casablanca and the Canary Islands, worth more than £9,600.
These engrossing novels and fascinating non-fiction picks are the perfect summer escape.
Dr Mark Porter dives into the health issues affecting us all in the new podcast from Saga.
The celebrity historian shares her travel stories and disasters.
The BBC newsreader on running 23 marathons, coping with grief and why she’s still chasing new challenges at 58.
The writer and broadcaster on childhood adventures, Winnie-the-Pooh and the lesson that has guided him.
The TV presenter shares her favourite places and the surprising companion she would love to travel with.
TV’s Dr Hilary Jones on why he wants sweeping reform to modern healthcare.
