Living in Brighton: Carol Cleveland
Diana Frangi meets Monty Python actress Carol Cleveland
What would British film and TV comedy be without its “buxom blonde bombshells”?
And if Brighton had to choose one of its many celebrity residents to represent all that is good and brilliant over a half century of British comedy, they could not do better than opt for Carol Cleveland – the only female Monty Python member, who featured in almost every episode of the iconic show.
Her CV reads like a roll call of all that has kept us laughing over the past few decades – Doctor at Large, The Two Ronnies, Spike Milligan’s Christmas special, Mike Yarwood, Only Fool and Horses, Father Dear Father, Are You Being Served? – not to mention a gallery of West End plays.
Born in London, her family moved to the States – “stepping over snakes and horny toads on the way to school” – before she returned to train at RADA where she studied with Tony Hopkins, Lynda La Plante, and her first love, Ian McShane.
In 1969 she was cast as ‘the girl’ in a few Python episodes, and “the rest is history”.
And it goes without saying, Carol, who is currently starring in her one-woman show Pom-Poms Up, is still as funny, fantastic and glamorous as ever with a performance coming up at The Greys pub on Monday 25 May featuring great songs, jokes and anecdotes.
How did you get your big break?
I was doing a lot of work for BBC TV, both drama and comedy but was fast becoming a bit of a glamour stooge. The director of Monty Python’s Flying Circus cast me to be in the first four episodes only. It was the guys themselves who decided I was to be a regular feature.
What career achievement has given you the most satisfaction?
It would have to be Monty Python.
Were the Pythons easy to get along with?
Yes, very welcoming, generous and such fun to be with.
Was John Cleese really as mad as he seemed?
John wasn’t any more ‘mad’ than the rest of them. He just had a problem with being a comic genius.
Which is your favourite Monty Python sketch?
Aside from the classics, my favourite is ‘The Scott of the Sahara’ sketch because I so enjoyed playing Vanilla Hoare.
Are you happy with the way Brighton has developed in recent years?
I love what’s been done to the boardwalk between the piers but I hate that – since we’ve become a city – litter has increased tenfold! There’s rubbish everywhere!
Do you have any favourite pubs and eateries in the Brighton?
My local The Greys pub, Hotel du Vin restaurant, Terre à Terre and The Brasserie.
My Fantasy Dinner Party
Who would you invite ?
Marilyn Monroe: for glamour
Michael Palin: for his wit and charm
Elvis Presley: for R and R Paul Newman: so I could gaze into his gorgeous eyes
Billie Holiday: for soul
Lynda La Plante: for her anecdotes and humour, and of course, my mother
Pat: because no dinner party would be complete without her.
Where would you hold your party?
Terre à Terre for an utterly unique culinary experience. We’d have lots of Tapas… they’re healthy, pretty, so yummy and there’s a variety.
What entertainment?
I’d hope Elvis and Billie would do a duet for us.
What would you talk about?
Being showbiz people, they’d probably all talk about themselves – which would be fine. We can also discuss the Tapas ingredients!
Is there anything you would want to ask them?
What is the one thing would they like to have changed in their lives?
Who would you go home with?
Paul – his place, not mine… as Mum would be there!
