MONTY Python lovers will see a new side to the Life of Brian this Christmas when Pill Harriers Rugby club put their own spin on the film for the return of their infamous adult pantomime.

Set in Roman times, the pantomime will tell the story of the club’s chairman, Brian Cromwell, with plenty of adult humour promised throughout.

All proceeds from the pantomime will be split between the club; the Ieuan the Lion Memorial fund; and the For Luca campaign.

Mark Everson, 43, who has been involved in the pantomime since 2001, is writing and directing the Life of Brian. Mr Everson said that everyone in the club’s community has got involved this year.

He said: “We’ve been doing the pantomime since 2002 or 2003 but, owed to time constraints, this will be the club’s first pantomime in four years.

“We’re an established team really, with a lot of commitment. We’re all amateurs, with jobs and lives, but everyone has chipped in – even with the scenery and behind the scenes work.

“Whether it’s former members or just people who use and support the club, there’s a real community spirit in the club and everyone is an expert in something. We’re aged between 18 and 65 so it really is all walks of life.

“Since early September, we’ve had lots of rehearsals for our dialogue and choreograph routines and there will also be references to Gladiator and Spartacus.

“There’s a little bit of dancing, which I’m sure will make it all the more amusing for the crowd. Every scene will have the tune of a well-known song, with the lyrics re-arranged to reflect the scene.”

Mr Everson, who played for the Harriers between 1992 and 2009, said that the pantomime is ultimately a tribute to the club’s long-serving chairman, Brian Cromwell.

He added: “The play follows Brian’s fictitious life and his involvement with the Pill Harriers. He played rugby to a late age and he’s in his mid-60s now. So, for example, the pantomime will begin by saying that he was born 2,000 years ago.

“Every club has a character like Brian and things would fall apart without him. He’s the butt of many jokes, but he always takes them well.”

The Life of Brian will run for three nights, between December 11 and December 13. Tickets are still available for December 11’s show and are priced at £10 each. For more information, contact the club on 01633 662668.