John Cleese Is Appearing At The Bristol Zoo

Television and film star John Cleese returned to familiar territory today when he took a trip down memory lane at Bristol Zoo Gardens.
 
The Fawlty Towers star regularly visited the Zoo as a boy while he was a pupil at Clifton College next door.
 
He returned to the Zoo today ahead of his appearance on stage for three evening performances at The Clifton Pavilion Theatre with broadcaster Chris Serle, in aid of Bristol Zoo Gardens’ conservation projects.
 
Whilst at the Zoo, the actor, who was born in Weston-super-Mare but who now lives in Los Angeles, met Bristol Zoo Gardens’ red ruffed lemur, Colin. Colin will be appearing on stage alongside Chris Serle and the Monty Python star as lemurs are John’s favourite animals.
 
He said: “Bristol Zoo is like a third home to me. My father bought a season ticket when I was a boy so we came here regularly for family visits.
 
“My favourite animal was always a little lemur who lived at the zoo which sparked a lifelong passion for these creatures.
 
“The good thing about zoos and human beings is that they can educate each other as to how to help to save both species. The idea of a planet without tigers, for instance, is a terrible thought.”
 
A limited number of tickets are still available for John Cleese in conversation with Chris Serle on Wednesday, Thrusday and Friday at The Clifton Pavilion Theatre at Bristol Zoo Gardens.
 
Each evening will include an on-stage conversation between John and television presenter Chris Serle, followed by an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.
 
John said: “The evenings will consist of some old film clips and some well polished jokes.”
 
All the proceeds from these performances will help fund the Zoo’s current and future valuable conservation and education projects; these are conducted both here in the UK and abroad and range from native invertebrates in Bristol to the rare lemurs of Madagascar.

To buy tickets phone Bristol Zoo Gardens on 0117 974 7300. Clifton Pavilion Theatre doors will open at 6pm on the night, with the performance starting at 6.30pm.