Grapevine’s British Emporium to host 2nd Annual Monty Python Festival

by PegNews wire

The Python Players -- cast members of this year's live Python tribute show.

The British Emporium, in partnership with the City of Grapevine, presents the 2nd annual “Monty Python Madness” Charity Festival in Grapevine, Friday, July 18 through Sunday, July 20, 2008.

“Consider this the annual meeting of our Monty Python Appreciation Society” said British Emporium co-owner Sheela Kadam. “Dallas and Fort Worth were the first cities in this country to discover Monty Python, and we’ve always been rather proud of that.”

Events cover the gamut from an ambitious Live Python Tribute Show at Grapevine‘s historic Palace Theatre Arts Center, to a half-mile Sponsored Silly Walk up Main Street, to “Very Silly Events” in-store including an Argument Clinic, unexpected appearances by Python characters, live skits and a raffle for giddily Python-themed prizes. Proceeds from the weekend activities raise funds for the non-profit 501(c)3 Joey Wilkins Foundation.

The Joey Wilkins Foundation was founded in 1999 as a result of an accident that left an employee of the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau partially paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury. Since its inception the Foundation has invested over $250,000 in home remodeling and transportation to help individuals recently paralyzed due to spinal cord injury continue to live productive lives of independence.

Larry Groebe

The Python Players ... with a dead parrot.

Speaking about the first Monty Python Madness event last year, Randolph Plonker (Mrs) said “What event? Oh, yes, I rather liked it. ”and Mr D.P Gumby remarked “there was so much going on it made my brain hurt.” Efforts to reach Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth for comment proved fruitless, as she was apparently out walking her corgis and had the Royal Cellphone switched off. A promotional video about the weekend’s events is available online.

Bill Fountain, award winning local Director of this year’s live Python Tribute show said: "I think one of the most enduring things about the Python's legacy is that it truly gives the audience a chance to laugh at something incredibly silly. Most of the time, we don't get a chance or the comfort level to laugh at something that is funny just because it's really funny. And let's face it, with gas prices the way they are and some of the current problems in the world, we could all use a tremendously silly laugh now and again."

Schedule of Events for Monty Python Madness (all events at the British Emporium unless otherwise noted – with donation for participation):

FRIDAY, JULY 18

All Day: In-Store Complimentary Tea (and biscuits!) served in-store and Monty Python’s Flying Circus Screening – Vote For Your Favorite Sketch!

8:00 PM: Monty Python Madness Live Tribute Show (Palace Theatre). Bill Fountain directs a sidesplitting revue recreating the best sketches from the beloved TV series. Produced by Sheela Kadam & Alexandra Evans. Tickets available from The Palace Arts Center.

SATURDAY, JULY 19

9:00 AM: One-half-mile Ministry Of Silly Walks Sponsored Walk up Main Street. Led by the Minster of Silly Walks, registered participants will compete for prizes. Begins at the Cotton Belt Depot (705 S. Main, Grapevine) with Spam Sandwiches for breakfast, and ends at the British Emporium.

All Day: Have your photo taken with a Viking or a Lumberjack ($5)

11:30 AM: Live performance of “The Cheese Shop” Sketch

Noon-2PM: Argument Clinic ($5 per argument)

2:00 PM: Monty Python Madness Live Tribute Matinee at Palace Theatre

2:30PM: Live performance of “Dead Parrot “Sketch

4:30PM: Python Costume Contest Judging and Sing-a-long Sendoff

8:00PM: Monty Python Madness Live Tribute Show (Palace Theatre)

Midnight: “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” special Midnight screening with added live entertainment (Palace Theatre)

SUNDAY, JULY 20

All day: "Very Silly Sale!" 10% discount on all items for all Lumberjacks (or ordinary citizens dressed as Monty Python characters)

12:30 PM: Mr. Gumby’s Flower Arranging Demonstration

All Day: Fish Slapping Dance Party

3:00PM: Spam Recipe Contest Judging

About the British Emporium

For 15 years, The British Emporium has provided the best of British groceries and gifts. They’re noted for their many community-related British cultural events such as royal celebrations, British Car Shows, appearances on behalf of public television, and hosting VIP visitors from Great Britain. Owned by Alexandra Evans and Sheela Kadam, this award-winning store is a popular Metroplex meeting point for expat Brits and anglophiles alike.

Source: British Emporium