British comedy pioneer John Cleese looks on the brighter side of “Monty Python” life at The Venue

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

When it comes to British comedy, John Cleese is a pioneer who completely tossed the rulebook out the window with the treasured “Monty Python” troupe, soared on the sitcom “Fawlty Towers” and lit up the silver screen with “A Fish Called Wanda.”

He also merged stand-up with songs for the groundbreaking Amnesty International benefit series “The Secret Policeman’s Ball” and appears to be “At It Again” on the road, even after the “Last Time To See Me Before I Die.”

At 80, he keeps on making the rounds to places like The Venue At Horseshoe Casino, just over the Chicago border in Hammond, Indiana and recently remodeled with new seats and screens for a further Las Vegas-like feel (where the headliner is frequently in residence).

And for around 80 minutes, Cleese had the showroom in stiches with witty banter about his formative years, meteoric career, social commentaries and candid observations on mortality.

After warming up with a series of ridiculously random one-liners, he teased the reason for this tour was to defray the costs of a multi-million-dollar divorce settlement.

That may or may not have been the case, but Cleese never short-changed the devoted audience no matter if he was telling silly stories or setting up hysterical clips from his earliest days on the BBC through all the major “Monty Python” movies and private footage that came fairly close.

It might not have always been politically correct by today’s standards, though rather than apologize, the octogenarian suggested society needs to lighten up and accept the purely comedic spirit in which past barbs were intended.

Cleese did indeed come across as likeable as he is legendary, and whether or not he comes around these parts again, at least he left The Venue by proudly proclaiming no fear of death with a legacy that will live on long after he’s gone.

Click here for more photos of John Cleese at The Venue At Horseshoe Casino.

For additional information on John Cleese, visit JohnCleese.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at The Venue At Horseshoe Casino include Anthony Hamilton (Nov. 23); Aaron Lewis (Nov. 24); George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, The Ohio Players and Sounds Of Slave (Nov. 29); Yanni (Dec. 7); Joe, Dru Hill and Avant (Dec. 13); Kool & The Gang and Zapp (Dec. 28); Charlie Wilson (Jan. 16); The Elvis Artist Tribute Spectacular (Jan. 18) and The Whispers, Jeffrey Osborne and The Dramatics featuring LJ Reynolds (Feb. 16). For additional details, visit Caesars.com/Horseshoe-Hammond/Shows.

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British comedy pioneer John Cleese looks on the brighter side of “Monty Python” life at The Venue

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