Legendary satirist Eric Idle is a man of many talents. The “Monty Python Flying Circus” alum and author is touring with his new book Idle In Provence. A Brief History of Thyme.” And if that weren’t enough Idle was the engine behind Spamalot, the musical lovingly ripped off the Monty Python and the Holy Grail movie. Idle wrote the book and music of the hilarious Spamalot.
Idle in Provence is the latest literary romp by Eric Idle. The Brit and longtime Angeleno always looks on the bright side of life, as exemplified in his bestseller Always Look On The Bright Side of Life, Idle’s “Sortabiography.”
Latterly Idle has found himself on the road, promoting his new tome, the back story behind his renovation of his stone villa (aka his “shackteau”) over several decades in the south of France.
Idle in Provence…” a memoir-cum-travelogue and beaucoup comedy covers life in France, challenges with his “ruin with a view,” and the string of celebs who visited “L’Algonquin” (“Le Haute Terrisse” had already been taken) a-la George Harrison, Paul Simon, Robin Williams, David Bowie and fellow “Pythonidae” Michael Palin, John Cleese and Terry Gilliam. And precious stories about Idle’s wives (Australian and later American); his children; a “dogdaughter” and fascinating characters he befriended along the way.
As a Francophile, and having been raised on Monty Python’s Flying Circus, this 365-page-turner romp by this writer, performer and musician delighted. Not all are perfectly happy, with some sombre recollections including Idle’s cancer diagnosis, loss of friends and grief.
I met Eric Idle, albeit briefly, on the set of “Saturday Night Special” Roseanne’s short-lived comedy/music TV show. He was a tonic.
Eric Idle will appear at JAMS Performing Arts Center, Santa Monica, in conversation with Weird Al, on October 22, at 7:30 pm.
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