Although I support free speech, I also support the right of a community not to display something that it deems to be offensive. Apparently that’s just what Aberystwyth – a university town in Wales – did with the Life of Brian 30 years ago. But now, all the hitherto deprived inhabitants of Aberystwyth will have their chance to see it.

“When the film came out, a number of councils wouldn’t have it, fearful that it might deal a mortal blow to Christianity,” says Palin who will be attending the belated premiere on March 28 with his co-star Terry Jones. “That did not, of course, happen. A faith that is strong and confident can take a certain amount of ribbing.” The event is being organised by Sue Jones-Davies, who played Brian’s girlfriend in the film, and is now – ironically – the local mayor.

I confess, I have not watched all of Life of Brian; as a Christian, I found the snippets I did see too irritating to regard it as entertaining or particular funny.

On the other hand, I do see the funny side of this:

JOHN CLEESE has reportedly called off his relationship with younger lover BARBIE ORR – just a week after she lifted the lid on their love life. The Fawlty Towers star met Orr at an audition in October (08) while he was in the midst of divorcing his third wife Alyce Faye Eichelberger.

He was reportedly left red-faced after the aspiring actress told the British press intimate details about their romance last week (19Jan09), describing the star’s naked body and recalling their first sexual encounter.

Come on John, where’s your sense of humour?