And Now for Something Completely Different: Critical Approaches to Monty Python

Explores the range of factors that contribute to Monty Python’s continuing status as ‘something different’
A reappraisal of the originality, influence and impact of Monty Python’s comedy output, from the perspective of its 50 years of cultural circulation
Includes analyses of a range of Monty Python’s output, from the Monty Python’s Flying Circus television show, to the Monty Python films, albums, and live shows, including consideration of Monty Python’s use of music and songs and forms of animation
Explores the production contexts and practices adopted, and the range of comedic strategies employed, across Monty Python’s comedy output, as well as considering its cult status and fan reception
Includes new critical analyses of a range of Python sketches and scenes, including The Funniest Joke in the World, Mr Hilter, Dead Parrot, Confuse-a-Cat, Albatross, Hell’s Grannies, Bicycle Repairman, The Black Knight, The Constitutional Peasant, and Mr Creosote

Examining Monty Python’s enduring status as an unconventional, anti-authoritarian comedy touchstone, this book reappraises Python’s comedy output from the perspective of its fifty years of cultural circulation. Reconsidering the group’s originality, impact and durability, a range of international scholars explores Python’s influences, production contexts, frequently controversial themes, and the cult status and forms of fandom associated with Python in the present day. From television sketches, including The Funniest Joke in the World, Hell’s Grannies, Dead Parrot and Confuse-a-Cat, to the films Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life, to songs from the albums and live shows, this book is a ground-breaking critical analysis of the Monty Python phenomenon.