About
Eric Idle pairs stories with a Monty Python singalong at Cahn Auditorium.
Eric Idle is using the story of his Provence retreat to open a window onto the creative life behind Monty Python, including the songs and scripts he wrote there and the friends who visited. Go for the unusual mix of memoir, comedy craft and a live singalong rather than a standard author talk.
What to expect
Plan for a focused one-hour stage conversation from 1 to 2pm. Eric Idle will discuss escaping Monty Python mania in Provence, the creative work that came out of that period, and stories involving visitors including George Harrison, Robin Williams and Paul Simon. Mary Dixon moderates, and the program closes the gap between talk and performance with a singalong. If you want Idle's new book, add it through the organizer's box office before the event and collect it on site with the voucher included in your PDF ticket.
Good to know
- The program runs from 1 to 2pm on Sunday, October 4.
- Chicago Humanities lists open captions and assistive listening devices for this program.
- An optional copy of Idle in Provence can be preordered through the organizer's box office and collected on site with the voucher in the PDF ticket.
- The event is presented with Northwestern University's Buffett Institute for Global Affairs.
Common questions
What happens during the program?
Eric Idle discusses his Provence retreat, the songs and scripts he created there, stories of famous friends, and his views on life and laughter, followed by a singalong.
When is the event?
The program runs from 1 to 2pm on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Where is the event?
It takes place at Northwestern University's Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson Street in Evanston.
Who moderates the conversation?
Mary Dixon, co-host of Say More on WBEZ, moderates the conversation.
Are accessibility services available?
Yes. The organizer lists open captions and assistive listening devices for this event.
Is the book included with admission?
No. Idle in Provence is optional and can be added through the organizer's box office for on-site pickup.