Comedian and Monty Python star Eric Idle is set to return to New Zealand shores when he brings his latest stage show to theatres this October.

Idle's Always Look on the Bright Side of Life tour is the latest step in a career spanning over 60 years - and he has no plan to slow down.

He says he'd never set out to have his output stand the test of time, despite his music and comedy still being held in high regard today.

"I think if you can make them laugh and smile and feel a little better at funerals, that's a really nice thing to be able to achieve. 

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Comedian and Monty Python star Eric Idle is set to return to New Zealand shores when he brings his latest stage show to theatres this October.
Idle's Always Look on the Bright Side of Life tour is the latest step in a career spanning over 60 years - and he has no plan to slow down.
He says he'd never set out to have his output stand the test of time, despite his music and comedy still being held in high regard today.
"I think if you can make them laugh and smile and feel a little better at funerals, that's a really nice thing to be able to achieve. 
LISTEN ABOVE

News, opinion, analysis, lifestyle and entertainment – we’ve got your Sunday morning listening covered with The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin on Newstalk ZB.

The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

Eric Idle: Comedian and Monty Python founding member ahead of his Always Look on the Bright Side of Life tour

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley: a bunch of long time friends get together in Dorset to celebrate the imminent opening of a new resort, a heritage home which has been completely refurbished with no expense spared. It’s all very nice – champagne, great food, all dressed for the occasion – but the locals aren’t at all happy about this new development in their area and things take a sinister turn very quickly. In recent years Lucy Foley has made a name for herself writing “locked room” mysteries – where a lot happens in a small space and they’re good fun.

Camino Ghosts by John Grisham: the third book in his Camino Island series where much of the action is set around the local bookseller – who in this case comes across a story which he recommends to a local author who starts investigating. An uninhabited island called Dark Isle, off the coast between Florida and Georgia has been identified by some property developers as the next great place to make a quick buck and they have big plans for it. Dark Isle was for many years home to a group of runaway slaves and an elderly woman who lived there until she was 15 years old and was the last inhabitant is claiming ownership to it and getting in the way of their plans.

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The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley: a bunch of long time friends get together in Dorset to celebrate the imminent opening of a new resort, a heritage home which has been completely refurbished with no expense spared. It’s all very nice – champagne, great food, all dressed for the occasion – but the locals aren’t at all happy about this new development in their area and things take a sinister turn very quickly. In recent years Lucy Foley has made a name for herself writing “locked room” mysteries – where a lot happens in a small space and they’re good fun. 
Camino Ghosts by John Grisham: the third book in his Camino Island series where much of the action is set around the local bookseller – who in this case comes across a story which he recommends to a local author who starts investigating. An uninhabited island called Dark Isle, off the coast between Florida and Georgia has been identified by some property developers as the next great place to make a quick buck and they have big plans for it. Dark Isle was for many years home to a group of runaway slaves and an elderly woman who lived there until she was 15 years old and was the last inhabitant is claiming ownership to it and getting in the way of their plans. 
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Joan's picks: The Midnight Feast and Camino Ghosts

As winter marches on, many Kiwis will be nostalgic for the warmer months and considering an island holiday.

Waiheke Island could be the next best thing - it's only 35 minutes away from Auckland by ferry, and it includes beaches, fine dining and wineries.

BloggerAtLarge writer Megan Singleton says 47 local businesses have even come together to create the Waiheke Island Winter Passport, offering several limited-time deals.

Read more about Megan's experience with Waiheke here. 

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As winter marches on, many Kiwis will be nostalgic for the warmer months and considering an island holiday.
Waiheke Island could be the next best thing - it's only 35 minutes away from Auckland by ferry, and it includes beaches, fine dining and wineries.
BloggerAtLarge writer Megan Singleton says 47 local businesses have even come together to create the Waiheke Island Winter Passport, offering several limited-time deals.
Read more about Megan's experience with Waiheke <a href="https://www.bloggeratlarge.com/grab-amazing-discounts-on-waiheke-island/">here</a>. 
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Megan Singleton: BloggerAtLarge writer on the unexpected local island getaway for Kiwis

This week on the Sunday Panel,Gold FM and Newstalk ZB host Andrew Dickens and podcaster and broadcasterBrodie Kane joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more!

The Interislander ferry Aratere ran aground on Friday night after suffering a steering failure - it was successfully refloated last night. Is this a bad look? Do we need to replace the ferries?

King Charles has opted to skip visiting New Zealand on his upcoming tour Down Under, amid increased concerns about his health. Is this the right call? Do New Zealanders care?

How disappointed are we with last night's Warriors loss. Can the team bounce back?

LISTEN ABOVE

This week on the Sunday Panel,Gold FM and Newstalk ZB host Andrew Dickens and podcaster and broadcaster Brodie Kane joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more!
The Interislander ferry Aratere ran aground on Friday night after suffering a steering failure - it was successfully refloated last night. Is this a bad look? Do we need to replace the ferries?
King Charles has opted to skip visiting New Zealand on his upcoming tour Down Under, amid increased concerns about his health. Is this the right call? Do New Zealanders care?
How disappointed are we with last night's Warriors loss. Can the team bounce back?
LISTEN ABOVE

Eric Idle: Comedian and Monty Python founding member ahead of his Always Look on the Bright Side of Life tour

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