Monty Python legend Eric Idle has cancelled his upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand, revealing that doctors have advised him to withdraw from the scheduled November and December performances.
The 83-year-old comedian, actor and songwriter was due to return with An Evening of Idle Conversation, an intimate live show exploring his extraordinary career, personal life, and the stories behind some of comedy’s most enduring moments.
In a statement announcing the cancellation, Idle expressed his disappointment at being unable to make the trip and apologised to venues and fans, explaining that although Australia and New Zealand remain among his favourite places to perform, his doctors had advised against proceeding.
“It is with great regret that, on the advice of my doctors, I must withdraw from my planned An Evening of Idle Conversation tour of Australia and New Zealand,” Idle said in a statement.
“They are some of my favourite places to play, and this isn’t a decision I take lightly, but when the doctors talk, I must listen. My apologies to the venues and to all those who were coming to see me. Thank you for your support, as ever, and I will do all I can to get back there soon, health permitting. Meanwhile, you can still read my book.”
The tour was scheduled to begin at Melbourne’s Palais Theatre on November 22nd, before travelling to Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. More Australian performances were planned for Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth throughout December.
Presented by Fane Australia, An Evening of Idle Conversation promised an unscripted journey through more than six decades in entertainment, from Idle’s difficult childhood and formative years at Cambridge to the creation of Monty Python and the group’s enormous cultural influence.
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Audiences were also set to hear candid reflections on his friendships with the late Graham Chapman, George Harrison and Robin Williams, alongside tales of creative triumphs, personal setbacks, and life beyond the legendary comedy troupe.
For music fans, Idle’s legacy extends well beyond Monty Python’s television and film work. He famously wrote “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” for Monty Python’s Life of Brian, created the Beatles-parodying group the Rutles, and brought the absurdity of Monty Python and the Holy Grail to Broadway with the Tony Award-winning musical Spamalot.
The live shows were also intended to celebrate the release of his latest memoir, Idle in Provence: A Brief History of Thyme, which reflects on his life and experiences in the south of France.
No further details about the health concerns behind the cancellation have been disclosed, and replacement dates have not been announced.
Ticket holders will receive refunds, which are being automatically processed.
