Michael Palin will stay on the road after the final reunion show of the Monty Python team this summer when he launches his first one-man theatre tour, he revealed today.
Just a month after the Pythons’ farewell performances at the 02 in July, the 70-year-old will embark on a 21-date tour to mark the publication of the third volume of his diaries.
These cover his television-travel debut on Around the World in Eighty Days as well as looking back at his life as a shy schoolboy in Sheffield.
Palin, who lives in Gospel Oak, said he was looking forward to working with the Pythons again. “I wouldn’t have said yes unless I thought it was something I would enjoy — certainly with trepidation and apprehension because we’ve got to get it right,” he said.
Of his decision to go on his first one-man tour, he said: “I do enjoy being on stage and thought it would be quite nice, instead of doing book festivals, to do a proper little tour. I see it as a chance to meet audiences all over the country and talk about the only consistent thread in my working life — the irresistible urge to do something completely different.”
Palin said he still remained surprised about his career. “It totally astounds me. I was a slightly shy boy at the back of the class. Fifty-five years on, we’re doing the 02 arena, with thousands of people watching. It certainly wasn’t clear that the six of us who were brought together in 1969 would necessarily spark off each other.”
Michael Palin — Travelling to Work, September 7 to October 22, including Queen Elizabeth Hall on September 9.
