It was comedyÔÇÖs answer to the Led Zeppelin reunion. Michael Palin, Eric Idle, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones announced in November that, despite the death of Graham Chapman in 1989, Monty Python would be reuniting for a show at LondonÔÇÖs O2 Arena. Selling out the venue in less than a minute to British comedy fans and shameful ticket touts alike, demand for the eccentric comedy group was so high that a further nine dates at the arena were announced. But following public scepticism from Gilliam one month in advance, would the group still be able to do their old material justice?

Following an overture by the live band performing, the five comedians take to the stage in suits to perform the llama sketch, which whilst well received, served to pave the way for the following Four Yorkshiremen sketch. ÔÇ£Who thought forty years ago weÔÇÖd be sitting here doing Monty Python,ÔÇØ Idle jokes, letting the audience know that they are well aware of their surroundings.

From there itÔÇÖs a non-stop barrage of classic comedy sketches. ÔÇ£GÔÇÖDay BruceÔÇØ sees giant plush FostersÔÇÖ cans being thrown into the crowd and makes references to the ÔÇ£OzÔÇØ Arena, there are new transitions of the lion tamer sketch into lumberjack song or the dead parrot sketch into the cheese shop sketch. And while CleeseÔÇÖs back problems mean thereÔÇÖs no ministry of silly walks sketch in the traditional format, there are lots of silly walkers to choreograph new song ÔÇÿMoney is the Root of EvilÔÇÖ. Unfortunately Cleese was one of the showÔÇÖs weak points; many of his jokes did not come up to par, which is sad when considering how much of the showÔÇÖs humour depends on his booming voice. However IdleÔÇÖs distinctive voice, GilliamÔÇÖs animations (showing on screen) and all membersÔÇÖ tastes for cross dressing still have the power to entertain.

Pulling out all the stops with a Flying Circus stage setup, videos to enhance songs and even an onstage appearance from Stephen Fry in the Blackmail sketch, the show comes to an end with their ÔÇÿStairway to HeavenÔÇÖ in a similar way to how Life of Brian ended: ÔÇÿAlways Look on the Bright Side of LifeÔÇÖ, a sing/whistle-along that is the perfect finale. This is a set of shows purely about making money, but when shows are this entertaining, who cares about the motives?