Monty Python star Sir Michael Palin has cancelled his upcoming book tour after fracturing his ribs in a fall. The 83-year-old was scheduled to appear at the Pyramid and Parr Hall in Warrington last night (October 13) to showcase his new travel book In The Philippines.
In addition to Warrington, Sir Michael was also scheduled to appear in nine other dates in venues across the UK. However, he apologised after he was forced to cancel the tour following a fall in his bathroom.
Comedy legend's health update
Taking to Instagram, Sir Michael said: "My accident was quite unsensational, a slip in the family bathroom where I've walked for 58 years. I fell heavily on my left side resulting in three fractured ribs and a minor pelvic fracture."
He added: "The recovery of bone fractures takes a long time, especially when you're 83." Sir Michael referenced a famous Flying Circus sketch, saying: "It was a comedy fall with no audience there to see it. I shall stick to fish slapping dances from now on."
Apology and ticket details
Sir Michael said: "Sincere apologies to everyone who has already put in a lot of work on the tour. I'd also like to say a huge thanks to the NHS for their incredible care."
A statement on Sir Michael's website said: "It is with great regret, due to unforeseen circumstances that the UK tour of Michael Palin in the Philippines is being postponed."
Ticket holders will be contacted by their original point of purchase with further details and rescheduled dates as soon as they are available. The statement added: "Michael apologises to everyone who bought tickets and thanks you for your understanding and can't wait to see you on the re-scheduled date."
Liverpool festival appearance
The ECHO was in attendance at the BBC comedy festival in May when Sir Michael was interviewed by John Bishop. The comedian pointed out how it was fitting that Sir Michael closed the festival in Liverpool, as Monty Python have so often been described as The Beatles of comedy.
In the same way The Fab Four changed music and culture forever, comedy would never be the same again after Monty Python's Flying Circus was first broadcast in 1969. The evening started with a video package taking us through some of the troupe's most iconic sketches that illustrated exactly why Sir Michael is regarded as a national treasure.
Talking about the keys to his success, Sir Michael said: "You've got to understand people and who they are to write comedy, otherwise it's superficial."
