Mayor acts on Life Of Brian

The mayor of Aberystwyth is planning to overturn the town’s 29-year ban on Monty Python's Life Of Brian.

And Sue Jones-Davies has special reason for her campaign: she appeared in the movie, as Brian’s girlfriend, Judith.

Ms Jones-Davis, who was Chris Langham’s first wife, was even seen naked in one scene in the 1979 film.

Ms Jones-Davies, who represented Plaid Cymru on the council, told BBC News: ‘Given what’s on TV now I think it’s amazing a ban in Aberystwyth still exists. I think it should be lifted.

‘I would like to think that any religion would have the generosity to see the film for what it is, which is a comedy. I was surprised at the outrage it caused at the time, but I did not expect or appreciate the impact.’

She added: ‘I got the part because somebody dropped out. I had the same agent as John Cleese and was recommended for the part.

Recalling her nude scene, she added: ‘It was a part and I just played it, although I did call for a closed set. It was filmed in a sort of small tunnel, and wasn't very sensual at all.’

The film was banned in Aberystwyth on its release because it was thought to be blasphemous. Local councils have the power to decide what can and cannot be shown, although they tend to stick with the ruling of the British Board of Film Classification.

Published: 19 Jul 2008