Monty Python legend Eric Idle has cancelled his upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand on medical advice, telling fans that his doctors have ordered him to step away from the stage. The 83-year-old comedian, who previously survived pancreatic cancer, was due to perform a series of live shows in November and December.
The entire run of An Evening of Idle Conversation has been withdrawn due to health concerns. In a statement, Idle expressed regret over the decision but said he had little choice but to follow medical guidance.
Medical advice forces cancellation
“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. “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.”
Apologising to ticket holders, he added: “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.”
Tour details and career reflections
The tour had been scheduled to begin in Melbourne on November 22, with further performances planned in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. The shows were intended to see Idle reflect on his six-decade career, including his years with Monty Python and friendships with George Harrison and Robin Williams.
They were also meant to celebrate the release of his latest memoir, Idle in Provence: A Brief History of Thyme, which he recently promoted during appearances in Britain. No further details about the medical concerns behind the cancellation have been disclosed, and there is no suggestion that his previous cancer has returned.
Previous cancer battle
The news comes four years after Idle revealed he had secretly battled pancreatic cancer following a diagnosis in 2019. The disease was discovered early enough for him to undergo successful treatment, and he was subsequently given the all-clear.
Idle later admitted he had initially laughed when doctors delivered the diagnosis because of a coincidence involving his own work. His doctor had previously suggested pancreatic cancer as a suitably grim way to kill off a character in Idle’s stage production Death: The Musical.
Reflecting on the experience, he told The Sunday Times: “I laughed because I thought it was a joke. But I survived! Basically I shouldn’t f***ing be here. Every day is extra time for me. I just hope there aren’t any penalties at the end.”
Monty Python legacy and refunds
Idle first found fame as one of the six members of Monty Python, alongside John Cleese, Sir Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, the late Graham Chapman, and Terry Jones. The troupe revolutionised British comedy with Monty Python’s Flying Circus, which aired from 1969 until 1974, before moving to films including Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life.
Idle also wrote the comedy anthem “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” which has become a philosophy for the star since his cancer diagnosis. Organisers have confirmed that ticket holders will receive refunds, which are being processed automatically.
