Are you a Monty's double?

Biopic needs actors to play Pythons

The Hollywood version of Graham Chapman's life story has become a step closer.

Producers of the movie Gin And Tonic have announced auditions for actors to play Chapman, plus all the other members of Monty Python, as young men.

The first will take place in Los Angeles next month, but subsequent open auditions are also expected in New York, London and Tokyo.

The movie is being made by independent production company Hippofilms in conjunction with Jim Yoakum, the literary executor of Chapman's estate.

It will recreate Chapman's life from his early days studying medicine at Cambridge; his time as a Python; his homosexuality; his struggles with alcohol and his death in 1989, at the age of 48, of spinal and throat cancer.

Hippofilms president David Brenner said: "We wanted to cast as wide a net as possible for the Pythons. Our goal isn't just to find six lookalikes, but to discover six incredibly talented performers who embody that Pythonic brilliance and lunacy.

"We want these auditions to be fun, somewhat silly affairs that Graham would be proud of - that's why we're giving away prizes for the most absurd costumes."

The film was first announced in May 2002, with filming supposedly starting in November that year.

But the Los Angeles audition is a sign the project is finally moving forward. It takes place at 5540 Hollywood Boulevard on March 20 - and will be filmed for a 'making of' documentary.

Auditions will be held later for other roles, including Peter Cook, David Frost, Marty Feldman, Douglas Adams, Ringo Starr and Keith Moon.

For more information, visit the official website.

Published: 1 Feb 2004

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