Monty Python’s Flying Circus cast member Michael Palin has been cast in a BBC war drama, “The Wipers Times.” The Monty Python alum will play a soldier who edits a political satire magazine.

Monty Python comedian Michael Palin is all set to do his own funny walk through a BBC TV movie called “The Wipers Times” which is about British soldiers in battle who publish a satirical magazine during World War I. The film will also stars Ben Chaplin, Julian Rhind-Tutt and Emilia Fox. The drama is set to air on BBC2. It’s not a far cry from Monty Python because, in spite of being a drama, it will feature the barbs and satire that harks back to Michael Palin’s Monty Python days. Palin also hosted Saturday Night Live.

The Monty Python star vehicle, “The Wipers Times” was directed by Andy De Emmony. The movie was co-written by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman. Ian Hislop is a regular on the British comedy “Have I Got News For You.” Ian Hislop also edits the political satire magazine “Private Eye” and Nick Newman. “The Wipers Times” was produced by the Academy Award-winning producer David Parfitt and BBC, Northern Ireland Screen Fund, Goldcrest Films and Content Media.

“The Wipers Times” magazine was set up by the British soldiers in an abandoned printing press that they discovered in the ruins of Ypres, Belgium.

Michael Palin is a British comedian, actor, writer, host and presenter. Palin has appeared on television and in films for over 40 years. The renowned funnyman was a founding member of legendary comedy troupe Monty Python’s Flying Circus. He appeared in “A Fish Called Wanda,” “Ripping Yarns,” “Jabberwocky,” “Time Bandits,” “The Missionary” and “A Private Function.”

Palin wrote most of the comedy he performed on Monty Python’s Flying Circus with Terry Jones. Before Monty Python, the two worked on other shows like the “Ken Dodd Show,” “The Frost Report” and “Do Not Adjust Your Set.” Palin played in some of the most famous Monty Python skits. He was part of "Argument Clinic," "Dead Parrot," "The Lumberjack Song," "The Spanish Inquisition," and "The Fish-Slapping Dance."

After the run of the legendary Monty Python’s Flying Circus Michael Palin continued to work with Terry Jones. They wrote “Ripping Yarns” together. Palin also appeared in several films by Terry Gilliam, Monty Python’s animator who became a respected director. Palin won a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for “A Fish Called Wanda.” Palin was voted the 30th favorite comedian voted by other comedians in the 2005 poll “The Comedians' Comedian.”

 by Tony Sokol