I'VE been writing for years and some things you will never be prepared for, such as meeting one of your comedy heroes.
How do you react when you unexpectedly get to interview a man partially responsible for providing the very foundations of your sense of humour?
Whose work, together with his comedy partners, was impressed on me from an early age, and I could usually be heard laughing as my father and I mis-quoted their catchphrases and sketches.
This week I got the chance to meet Terry Jones, and almost met Michael Palin.
Unless you are from a rather serious, and sheltered planet, you will know I'm referring to two members of Monty Python.
They were in town for a special screening of Monty Python's Life of Brian, a film released in 1979 which prompted much controversy with religious types and therefore prompted a rumour that it was banned in Aberystwyth.
Like all good rumours, nobody is quite sure how it started, and as with a lot of old policies, rules, or decisions taken by local authorities, nobody was able to confirm whether the film was actually banned and on what grounds.
Perhaps it just a passing thought a county council officer had once whilst standing in the work cafeteria, which he muttered faintly to his PA and then promptly forgot about it as he contentedly dug into his shepherd's pie and beans.
Either way, the Mayor of the town, who played Brian's girlfriend Judith Iscariot in the film was determined to get it screened for charity.
And it was a jolly good reason to entice some of the Pythons to the area.
I was unable to attend the screening, however my photographer was lovely enough, in between jostling with 17 other photographers for that elusive picture, to ask Palin for an autograph for me.
My joy was doubled when he then presented me with a pic of Palin writing said autograph - it was almost like I was there. And he had to write my name so now he must have heard of me... right?
So it was all I could do not to spontaneously combust when, some nine hours later I found myself at a second charity screening of the film, but this time in Machynlleth.
And Terry Jones was there too!
Before I know what's happening, I'm whisked over to interview the great man, and have to fight to maintain even the smallest degree of professionalism, when in fact all I want to do is quote lines at him, play him the video clips of our pet cockatiel whistling 'Always look on the bright side of life' and show him how my ringtone is in fact a soundclip of him as Brian's mother in the film shouting "He's not the messiah, he's a very naughty boy!"
Despite the fact he lives in mid Wales, I think I must have asked him at least three times what he thinks of Machynlleth and each time he patiently explained that he probably knows the town better than I do.
After about four minutes of my shambolic interviewing, I eventually give in to my inner Python and just ask for his autograph, a request which both of us look relieved at.
But he was lovely and I still can't believe I've met him - even if my interview was more ridiculous than the Ministry of Silly Walks.
He's not the messiah. But he is the closest thing to a comedy god I've ever met.
Posts
