Monty Python star Eric Idle received a standing ovation at the Liverpool Empire on Sunday, September 14, during his one-man show. Following the performance, he described the Liverpool audience as the "best of the tour" after his first appearance on that stage in 52 years.
Key Takeaways
- Eric Idle performed his show, "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, LIVE," at the Liverpool Empire, his first time there since 1973.
- The show included comedic anecdotes, classic clips, and emotional tributes to his friends George Harrison and Robin Williams.
- Idle shared his local connection, having attended school in Wallasey as a child.
- He later praised the Liverpool crowd on social media, noting they provided the "loudest laughs and the longest standing ovation" of his 17-show tour.
A Return to Liverpool After Five Decades
Eric Idle returned to the stage at the Liverpool Empire for the first time in 52 years. His last performance at the Lime Street venue was in 1973 as part of the Monty Python first farewell tour when he was 30 years old.
Now in his 80s, Idle brought his one-man musical, "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, LIVE," to the city. The show serves as a retrospective of his extensive career in comedy, film, and music.
During the performance, Idle highlighted his connection to the region, telling the audience he is "part Scouse." He explained that he attended school in Wallasey from the age of five to seven before being sent to a boarding school in Wolverhampton.
Personal Stories and Poignant Tributes
The two-hour show featured a blend of comedy and personal reflection. Idle shared numerous anecdotes from his life, involving famous figures such as Harrison Ford and Elvis Presley. He also spoke at length about his close friendship with the late Beatles guitarist, George Harrison.
The mood in the theatre shifted during tributes to Harrison and comedian Robin Williams. Idle performed two songs dedicated to his late friends, accompanied by a slideshow of personal photographs. These moments offered a glimpse into his personal relationships beyond their public personas.
Friendship with George Harrison
According to previous interviews, Idle and Harrison bonded instantly upon meeting. Idle has often wondered if their shared Merseyside beginnings contributed to their immediate connection, as both spent their early years in the region.
Humour in the Face of Adversity
Idle also addressed serious personal topics with his characteristic dark humour. He spoke about his recovery from pancreatic cancer, a diagnosis with a low survival rate. He joked to the audience, "I've survived the four c's: Covid, cancer, crucifixion and [John] Cleese."
The comment referenced his well-publicised falling out with his former Monty Python co-star, John Cleese. Throughout the evening, Idle included several pointed but humorous remarks directed at Cleese.
An Enthusiastic Audience Response
The performance included clips from Idle's career, featuring moments from iconic films like Life of Brian and his Beatles parody project, The Rutles. He referred to his career as a life in "mock and roll."
The show concluded with a performance of its namesake song, "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life." The audience joined in for a venue-wide singalong, which was followed by a sustained standing ovation for the comedian.
Tour Highlight
Following the show, Eric Idle confirmed the Liverpool performance was a standout. He stated on the social media platform X that it was the best of the 17 shows he had completed on the tour so far.
"Stu says last night was the best of the 17 shows we’ve done. The loudest laughs and the longest standing ovation. Thank you Liverpool, it was lovely playing that old theatre again which we last played in 1973."
The warm reception left a clear impression on the performer, who expressed his appreciation for the city's response. The event marked a memorable return to a stage he had not visited for more than half a century.