Longevity

Naughty tv critics who've seen previews hint that Alan Yentob attempts to build on the comic timing that permeates his body in tonight's Monty Python special on BBC1.

An hour and a half plug for a series of re-union shows that are already sold out seems over the top. But wait, dear viewers, there are still opportunities to spend, with the release of a deluxe edition of Monty Python Sings (Again) - now stretched to 2 CDs at £16.99. Or perhaps you'd like to go to a cinema on 20th July, for a live satellite re-transmission of the show - I haven't checked all regional prices, but in my manor, tickets are £15 (£12.50 concessions). Or you could buy Boondoggle's Silly Walks app, featuring John Cleese, for £0.99.

And then, the show's choreographer, Arlene Phillips's latest article in the Radio Times, has the words appended "A new batch of tickets has just gone on sale". I tried randomly for Friday 4th July via Ticketmaster, and lo, two seats at a mere £166 each popped up.

And will the Yentob programme perhaps mention Michael Palin's forthcoming third volume of diaries,Travelling to Work, out in September at £25 ?  Or Terry Jones' forthcoming film, Absolutely Anything, starring Simon Pegg and Kate Beckinsale ? An hour and a half is simply not long enough.