SWANSEA: World’s smallest solar cinema — built from a chicken coop caravan — heads to Monty Python statue unveiling
A solar-powered cinema built from an old caravan by a man from Swansea is heading to north Wales this weekend — as part of one of the most Python-esque public events Wales has seen in years.
The Sol Cinema, co-founded by Paul O’Connor from Swansea, has been engaged to screen exclusive films made by Terry Jones alongside behind-the-scenes footage from his Monty Python days, as part of the unveiling of a bronze statue of Jones in Colwyn Bay on Saturday April 25.
Jones — who died from dementia in January 2020 — was born in Colwyn Bay and was, as his family put it, “a proud Welshman in an accent straight out of Surrey.” The statue, created by Llandudno sculptor Nick Elphick and funded entirely by donations from comedy fans around the world, depicts Jones as the Nude Organist from Monty Python’s Flying Circus — nude apart from a flapping tie and wild hair, grinning as he strikes the classic pose.
Michael Palin said: “Terry always insisted on doing his own stunts, and I think that sitting stark naked (apart from a tie) on Colwyn Bay promenade, in all weathers, is the ultimate tribute to the lengths he was always prepared to go to for comedy. I hope his wonderfully generous bottom will become an emblem of the town he loved so much.”
The day is being billed as “A Python on the Prom” — a Python-esque afternoon of silliness, with marauding Vikings, knights and their coconut-clopping squires, a recreation of the Spam Cafe set, and a Silly Olympics for fans to compete in. Visitors are encouraged to dress as anything Terry or Python, with official Monty Python merchandise on offer for the most imaginative costumes. The statue unveiling itself takes place at 3pm. Entry is free.
The statue, shown prior to its installation, shows Python great Terry Gilliam as the nude organist.
(Image: Nick Elphick)
Steve Coogan, who worked with Jones on his film version of Wind in the Willows, said: “Naked at the organ is both cheeky and a strangely profound expression of Terry’s life-affirming anti-establishment anarchy.”
The Sol Cinema is no ordinary picture house. It was created by upcycling a 1972 caravan that had been used to house chickens on a smallholding — fitted out with tiered seating, LED lighting, a projector and surround sound, and running entirely on solar power. Its smartly-dressed usherettes are experienced street performers who add what co-founder Jo Furlong describes as “a touch of bizarreness to the entire experience.” The cinema has also made headlines over the years for its innovations — including becoming one of the first cinemas to accept cryptocurrency payments.
O’Connor said the Sol Cinema team were honoured to be involved in the event. “Monty Python influenced the construction of the Sol Cinema, with our flying cherubs, doric pillars, plush seating, surround sound and performing usherettes,” he said.
O’Connor and his team have been touring the UK and Europe with the cinema since 2010, entertaining more than 100,000 people at festivals, schools, factories, farms and even a zoo. The BBC has previously described it as the world’s smallest solar-powered cinema. Previous celebrity visitors have included the Welsh Rugby squad, Suggs and Madness, and DJ Don Letts. The cinema has also performed at Glastonbury Festival among many other landmark events.
The statue was funded through the “A Python on the Prom” campaign, which hit its target within six months thanks to donations from comedy fans worldwide. It will be gifted to Conwy County Borough Council to sit permanently on the promenade, and will be unveiled by Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam — Jones’s surviving Python colleagues.
Terry Jones’s daughter Sally said the family wanted the day to reflect her father’s eclectic interests. “We want this celebration to reflect Dad’s eclectic interests, from his wonderful children’s books to his passion for medieval history,” she said. “We want everyone who has been a part of this campaign to join us and enjoy a really fun day.”
Sol Cinema is currently taking bookings for 2026 and will be performing at Camp Bestival among other events. More details are available at thesolcinema.org.
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