1. The Python Years

In a completely different broadcast from London’s BBC Radio Theatre, John McCarthy interviews Michael Palin.

They duo look back over the actor-adventurer’s remarkable life and career as heard on BBC radio.

Michael Palin has been a Python, a world traveller, author, actor and screenwriter, and often described as “Britain’s Nicest Man”. However one area which is often overlooked from his long and impressive career are his fascinating radio contributions.

The first of three programmes, featuring extracts from his mighty canon of work including his famous diaries, interviews about his comedy and travel work, documentaries and dramas.

Recorded in front an enthusiastic audience, we discover Palin’s love for radio as we hear a treasure trove of archives on an eclectic mix of subjects and plenty of memories of Monty Python.

Producer: Stephen Garner

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in December 2017.