Gold to broadcast O2 farewell

The final Monty Python farewell show will be broadcast live on Gold.

The digital channel has signed a deal to air the three-hour event live from London’s O2 arena on Sunday July 20, the last of the troupe’s ten nights in the venue.

The same Last Night Of The Pythons gig will be simultaneously broadcast to 1,500 cinemas around the world, including more than 450 in the UK.

Gold has also commissioned a documentary series about the best Python sketches. Five hour-long episodes will air later this year.

UKTV’s director of commissioning Richard Watsham said: ‘It’s a huge step in Gold’s evolution to be part of such a significant national event and to be broadcasting it live so that everyone can be there.

‘Monty Python is arguably the most influential comedy group the country has ever known and it’s a matter of great pride that they’ve trusted us with celebrating their very last night together.’

Eric Idle added: ‘We are very excited that not only do we get the chance to screw up on stage, we get a chance to screw up live on TV too.’

Published: 13 Jun 2014