The five remaining faces of Monty Python have met to discuss their reunion after fans wait three decades since their last show.
Minus the deceased Graham Chapman, the picture shows John Cleese, Terry Jones, Michael Palin Terry Gilliam and Eric Idle, 70, ahead of their Thursday announcement.
Idle quipped before the big reveal, "All Pythons here, drinking tea, coffee, they're almost human."
This show will be a one-off, utterly unique extravaganza at London's O2 on July 1st, 40 years after their last UK performance at the Theatre Royal and 30 after their last shared stage at the Hollywood Bowl in September 1980.
According to Cleese, the delay was due to reluctance from Palin, who was the last to return to the fold.
Tickets will go on sale at 10am on Monday. Each member is rumoured to be in line to receive up to £1m from the venture.
But there is a flip side. This does not seem to be merely a meeting of the minds, right place right time kind of event. Each cast member has had various expenses in their lives, from messy divorces to legal fees and commercial failures, and it would appear the payload is as appealing a return to the stage. Their most recent splurge hit them when they were ordered to pay £1m to former producer Mark Forstater over a royalties dispute.
Whether they are returning to our stage for the commercialism or camaraderie, fans are not going to care. The point is, MONTY PYTHON, RETURNS!
Words by Gemma Clark
