County Theater Sells Out Second Annual Monty Python Fest

The roaring clip-clop of coconuts filled the streets of Doylestown July 6 after the County Theater’s second annual Monty Python Fest.

More than 250 attendees of all ages were transported back to 932 A.D. for a night of silly English humor, trivia, prizes and a showing of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Carrying a tray of crackers and Spam, Chris Collier, director of special programs at the County Theater, offered guests a snack before directing them into two sold-out theaters to screen episodes from Monty Python’s Flying Circus sketch show.

“Monty Python instantly connects you with other people—whether it’s a quote or the coconuts,” Collier said. “This is the cult of cults.”

Before the main feature, Collier asked a packed theater, “What is your favorite color?” to which a front-row fan answered, “Blue! No wait …” and gladly received her complimentary can of Spam instead of being thrown off the bridge of death.

Another fan correctly guessed Michael Palin as the only actor to play 12 characters in the film and won a stuffed plush Knights of NI! grand prize.

“Please feel free to ride along with Arthur and his knights,” Collier said, clapping his coconuts together as the lights dimmed for an evening of African swallows, mouthy Frenchmen and killer rabbits.

After an hour and a half of laughter, fans filed out, recounting the best parts and throwing out favorite quotes in bad accents—“Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!”

John Daukas said he’s been a Monty Python buff “for forever” and even watched the film before coming to brush up on the classic lines.

Laura Brown admitted that she started watching Holy Grail years ago before she knew what to make of it, but has since become a true fan.

“It’s just outrageously silly. It’s grown men running around with coconuts,” she said, laughing.

Monty Python Fest was part of the County Theater’s Hollywood Summer Nights series, a run of classics that show until the end of August.

“Chris has been doing a great job involving more and more young people through social media and interactive programs,” said Director of Development Jim Sanders, dressed in a Monty Python T-shirt and top hat.

“We had years of trouble getting people to come to the movies, and now we’re having to turn people away,” he added.

The entire series of classics is free for patrons under 18 years of age, and attendees who wear costumes relating to the movies get a free popcorn.

For more information about the Hollywood Summer Nights series, visit countytheater.org.