The Stage

Derren Brown and Python lead C4 Christmas

Published Friday 24 November 2006 at 17:45 by Liz Thomas

Channel 4’s seasonal programming will feature a televised version of Derren Brown’s acclaimed stage show Something Wicked This Way Comes and a one-off documentary on the success of Monty Python’s stars after the group broke up.

Brown’s production was a sell-out tour in both 2005 and 2006 and securing the illusionist a prestigious Olivier Award for Best Entertainment Show. The broadcast edition was filmed in front of a live audience at London’s Old Vic.

Also in the line-up is a new animated version of timeless children’s classic Peter and the Wolf to mark the 70th anniversary of Prokofiev’s work, while in another entertainment/factual programme Ricky Gervais interviews two of his comedy heroes, Christopher Guest and Garry Shandling.

There is also a Green Wing Special, the final edition of the cult programme and Charlotte Church also returns for a Christmas one-off ahead of the new run of her chat show series next year.

Renowned British composer Jonathan Dove returns to Channel 4 next month with a new piece of work, entitled Man on the Moon, and focusing on astronaut Buzz Aldrin.