A once-in-a-lifetime experience was had on Oct 3 2026 in Kitchener, Ontatio. It was over in a flash, so I had to document it live as soon as I got home, from Not Dead Yet: John Cleese and the Holy Grail at 50.

Last Christmas, my mom said “When will I ever have the chance to meet John Cleese again?”  And so for $374.75 each, she bought three VIP tickets.  One for her, one for me, and one for Dr. K.  With hindsight I wish she also bought one for my dad.  Not only would he have loved the show, but I think he would have lost his mind meeting Mr. Cleese at the end of it.

The show began at 7:30, but we were there well early to get a couple drinks and enjoy our front row seats.  The stage was bare except for a big screen, a table, two chairs, and stuffed bunny rabbit.

First, Mr. Cleese was introduced to a standing ovation.  He graciously thanked us all for coming to watch this film that he started writing in 1974.  Then, the film began.  It was the extended version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, but I believe that they ran the wrong version of the movie.  Mr. Cleese specifically said that it was supposed to be a version that he himself edited, removing the Three Headed Knight scene.  That scene was in fact shown, as well as the “GET ON WITH IT!” bits from the extended version.  A minor slipup.

After the film, an 86 year old John Cleese returned for approximately an hour of Q&A with the audience, wearing bunny rabbit slippers.  Some questions were great, some less so, but being a total pro, Mr. Cleese’s answers were also entertaining and interesting.

The thing that surprised me the most was how much Mr. Cleese loathes the last 10 to 15 minutes of Holy Grail, which was assembled by Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam without his (and presumably the others’) input.  “It doesn’t make sense!” said Mr. Cleese multiple times.  And here is the main takeaway that we got from the John Cleese Holy Grail at 50 Q&A:  Writing is #1 for him.  Performing, comedy, commentary are all second.  He says they did 13 drafts on A Fish Called Wanda‘s script before it was good enough.  Holy Grail’s ended was not written, made no sense, and he really dislikes it.  He also dislikes the Three Headed Knight scene, and wanted it edited out.  The scene was kept because Eric Idle’s knight, Sir Robin, had nothing to do after they split up.

He discussed many projects including a new comedy on cannibalism.  He also revealed what inspired the famous Python “parrot” sketch:  a used car that Michael Palin bought and tried to return.

Mr. Cleese praised the talents of Kevin Klein, and make fun of Michael Palin’s “horribly boring” travel show multiple times.  He reserved sincere praise for his old writing partner, the late great Graham Chapman.  He was clearly a special man.  The whole show was very warm, and simply delightful.

And then we met him!

Check out the video below, recorded while still on the high of meeting John Cleese and having this wonderful experience.