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T remains one of the most iconic comedy series of our time, spawning films, books, records and tours. Monty Python marks its 50th anniversary this year and is as loved as ever. Coinciding with the milestone date, 75-year-old founding member Eric Idle has written his ‘sortabiography’, Always Look On the Bright Side Of Life, which charts some of his recollections of the series and its spin-offs.

Eric, John Cleese and Graham Chapman worked together at the Cambridge Footlights (Cambridge University’s now famous dramatics club), later meeting their Oxford Revue rivals Terry Jones and Michael Palin at the Edinburgh Festival.

Terry Gilliam, whose animations would form a fittingly bizarre additions to Monty Python episodes, was introduced to the gang after John Cleese met him in New York while on tour with the Footlights Revue.

As the countdown to Monty Python’s big birthday in October begins, we join Eric for something completely different.