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Monty Python stars pictured together at first rehearsal for reunion shows… as it is revealed that the final date will air live on TV

Published: 09:10 EST, 16 June 2014 | Updated: 13:35 EST, 17 June 2014

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The news of their comedy reunion tour led to thousands of fans rushing to buy tickets, with the opening show selling out in 43.5 seconds.

And now the surviving members of the Python comedy group have been pictured on the first day of rehearsals for their highly anticipated shows, of which there are a further ten.

Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam, John Cleese, Eric Idle and Carol Cleveland were all pictured having their first read-through for the show, Monty Python Live (mostly) on Monday.

Reunited: Terry Jones, Eric Idle, Carol Cleveland, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam and John Cleese were pictured having their first read-through for the show, Monty Python Live (mostly) on Monday

The legendary comedy troupe were in high spirits as they worked through the routines together and got back into their creative routine.

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Rehearsals begin after it was revealed that the ten date reunion shows will end with a love broadcast on Gold channel.

According to the BBC News, the final three-hour long show will be shown on July 20 much to the delight of any fans who did not manage to get tickets.

Hard at work: The news of their comedy reunion tour led to thousands of fans rushing to buy tickets which sold out in 43.5 seconds

Ready for action: The group looks happy to be working together again

Creative process: The surviving members of the Python comedy troupe were ready to get stuck in and begin work on the highly anticipated shows

Eric Idle will direct the show which promises to contain new material as well as some of their most loved work.

There will also be animation from Terry Gilliam while it has been said that the group will perform bring some of their greatest material to the stage for the first time.

Fans have also been promised that The Meaning of Life actor Graham Chapman, who died in 1989, won’t be ‘absent’ from the shows.

Funny stuff: Eric Idle and John Cleese couldn't hold in their laughter during at one point in the day

We'll keep that in: The legendary comedy troupe were in high spirits as they worked through the routines together and got back into their creative routine

Tickled: John Cleese and Eric Idle seemed particularly jovial throughout the process

Let's try that: The comedy legends were raring to go as they powered through the script

The group made 45 episodes of Monty Python’s Flying Circus between 1969 and 1974, including sketches such as the Dead Parrot, Spam, The Lumberjack Song and The Spanish Inquisition.

Their first movie, And Now For Something Completely Different, was released in 1971 and the infamous Monty Python and the Holy Grail came out in 1975.

Then Monty Python’s Life of Brian followed four years later before their final film, Monty Python’s the Meaning of Life, was released the next year.

Classic work: (L-R) Michael Palin,Graham Chapman,John Cleese,Eric Idle andTerry Jones take a break from filming Monty Python's Flying Circus

That's good: Rehearsals begin after it was revealed that the ten date reunion shows will end with a love broadcast on Gold channel

No pressure: The final three-hour long show will be shown on July 20 much to the delight of any fans who did not manage to get tickets

It proved to be the last time the six Pythons worked together on a full-time project.

Their last performance in the UK was 40 years ago at the Theatre Royal, while their final live performance together was held at the Hollywood Bowl in September 1980.

The performance will be held at London's O2 on July 1, after the actors all agreed to get on board with Palin taking the longest to decide, according to Cleese.

In costume: (L-R) Michael Palin, John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones in the popular film, Monty Python's Life of Brian

The right choice: The shows will be held at London's O2 after the actors all agreed to get on board, though Michael Palin took the longest to decide, according to Cleese

Not forgotten: Fans have also been promised that The Meaning of Life actor Graham Chapman, who died in 1989, won¿t be ¿absent¿ from the shows

The original six members first got to know each other at university, and later through their television commitments.

Monty Python's Flying Circus aired between 1969 and 1974, featuring sketches and songs, and was later followed by films the Meaning of Life and Life of Brian.

Monty Python Live (mostly) is on at the O2 Arena in London on July 1-5, 15, 16, 18-20.

Troublesome but timeless: The group's appeal has lived on despite not performing together for 30 years

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AuntyAlias, San Francisco, United States, 10 hours ago

The computer game "Monty Python's Total Waste of Time" was just a hoot. It was frustrating to do, the game insulted you, it took just forever to move along. That game was truth in advertising personified. Hah!

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Seer, Peterborough, United Kingdom, 18 hours ago

No need for them to bother. For a real Monty Python show - for free - just go into any Magistrates' court and watch a trial.

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Big Al, Huntsville, 19 hours ago

Most of my work colleagues can quote lengthy sections of the Holy Grail. The more astute are also fluent in Life of Brian and the sketches.

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Bwanza Mungwanza, Tower Hamlets, United Kingdom, 19 hours ago

Considering they are all only about 70, they all look terrible for their age, with the possible exception of Gilliam. Considering they were all extremely wealthy (and Gilliam and Idle still are), I can only attribute their bad appearance to too much rich living, far too many expensive dinners, too much drink, cigars, etc. They have not aged well at all.