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Keynote Speaker
John Cleese
Monty Python Co-Founder, Fawlty Towers Creator, Actor, Comedian & Author
Popular talks
- Creativity
- Innovation
Talks
Popular talks by John Cleese
- Creativity
- Innovation
Biography
About John Cleese
John Cleese is a British actor, comedian, writer and co-founder of Monty Python, best known for his work on Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Fawlty Towers and A Fish Called Wanda. Alongside his career in entertainment, he has spent decades exploring the role of creativity and humour in business, communication and problem-solving.
After studying Law at Cambridge University, Cleese began his career writing and performing comedy, including work on The Frost Report. In 1969, he co-founded Monty Python, whose television series and films became some of the most influential works in British comedy. He went on to co-write and star in Fawlty Towers with Connie Booth, creating one of Britain’s most celebrated television comedies.
His film career includes A Fish Called Wanda, for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay, as well as appearances in the James Bond, Harry Potter and Shrek franchises. He has also received BAFTA and Emmy awards.
Beyond entertainment, Cleese co-founded Video Arts, a company that produced management and training films using humour to explore workplace communication, customer service and business practices. He has continued to speak to corporate audiences about creativity, decision-making and the importance of allowing time for original thinking.
Cleese is the author of So, Anyway… (2014), an autobiography, and Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide (2020), which examines how creative thinking can be developed and improved. He also co-authored two books on psychology with psychiatrist Robin Skynner.
In 2024, Cleese adapted Fawlty Towers for the West End stage. The production subsequently toured the UK and Ireland. In 2025, he published Fawlty Towers: Fawlts & All, reflecting on the television series and its history.
He continues to make live appearances, participate in international events and deliver talks on creativity and business.
How to book John Cleese
Answers on fees, availability and booking process.
How do I book John Cleese for a keynote speech?
You can book John Cleese through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with John's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
What are John Cleese's speaking fees?
John Cleese's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for John tailored to your event.
What topics does John Cleese speak about?
John Cleese speaks on Authors, Celebrity, Motivation. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with John to align the content with your delegates and goals.
Is John Cleese available for international events?
London Speaker Bureau can book John Cleese for events worldwide, subject to John's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Does John Cleese deliver virtual or online keynotes?
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether John Cleese is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
How long is a typical keynote by John Cleese?
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what John can accommodate.
Can John Cleese tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?
London Speaker Bureau will brief John Cleese on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what John can offer.
What languages does John Cleese present in?
John Cleese delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
What makes John Cleese a strong fit as a keynote speaker?
John Cleese's areas of expertise include Authors, Celebrity, Motivation. To get a clear sense of John's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
What kind of events can John Cleese speak at?
John Cleese can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Authors, Celebrity, Motivation is relevant. Details of John's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Does John Cleese offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what John Cleese is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
How far in advance should we book John Cleese?
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with John Cleese, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check John's current availability for your dates.