Iconic Characters Season 1 Episode 2

Ep 2. Eric Idle Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters

  • October 2, 2018
  • 20 min

Eric Idle is a comedic genius and a beloved member of the iconic comedy troupe Monty Python. In this episode of Iconic Characters, he takes us on a journey through some of his most memorable characters and sketches.

Idle begins by discussing his most well-known role, that of the woman-chasing playboy known as "Nudge" in the sketch "Nudge Nudge" from Monty Python's Flying Circus. He gives us an inside look at how the character came to be, and shares some behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the filming of the sketch.

Next up is one of Idle's personal favorites - the memorable character of Mr. Cheeky, who appears in the "Cheese Shop" sketch from Flying Circus. With a mischievous grin, Idle recounts how the character evolved from a simple cheese shop proprietor to a wacky and unforgettable figure in the Monty Python universe.

Idle then discusses another famous Monty Python sketch, "The Spanish Inquisition." He walks us through the creation of the Inquisition trio - Cardinal Ximinez, Cardinal Fang, and the unexpected surprise of the "comfy chair." We get a glimpse into the creative process that went into making this classic scene, and learn some little-known facts about the sketch.

Moving on from Monty Python, Idle talks about his role as the bumbling King Arthur in the comedy musical "Spamalot." He shares his experiences working on the Broadway production, and discusses how he approached playing such an iconic character. We also learn about some of the challenges he faced while bringing the character of King Arthur to life.

Idle then delves into his work on the British sketch comedy show "The Rutles," a parody of the Beatles. He talks about his role as Ron Nasty and how he and Neil Innes created the Rutles' music, which has become a classic in its own right.

Finally, Idle discusses his beloved character of Dirk McQuickly, also from "The Rutles." He shares some amusing anecdotes from filming, and explains how he came up with the character's catchphrase, "I've got blisters on me fingers!"

Throughout the episode, Idle's infectious enthusiasm for his work and his characters is evident. He clearly takes great joy in entertaining people and making them laugh, and it's clear that his contributions to comedy have left a lasting impact.

In all, "Eric Idle Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters" is a must-watch for fans of Monty Python, comedy, and pop culture. Idle's insight into his creative process and his characters is fascinating, and his stories will leave you laughing out loud. It's a fun and insightful look into the mind of a comedic legend.

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Description
  • First Aired
    October 2, 2018
  • Runtime
    20 min
  • Language
    English