We need much more laughter in the world

Marion McMullen makes a reservation at Fawlty Towers as John Cleese looks forward to seeing his famous comedy head out on tour

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You are now 85 and have enjoyed a lot of success during your career. What made you turn down a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) back in 1996?

I asked the authorities if I could call myself Commander Cleese. Absolutely not, apparently.

Frankly, I think those things are rather silly. I don’t want a stamp of approval from people I don’t always have that much respect for.

Also, just look at those men who have turned down awards and titles: David Bowie and Michael Frayn and Alan Bennett and Albert Finney. I have respect for them.

What did you think about your fellow Monty Python star Michael Palin accepting a knighthood?

Good luck to him. I was genuinely pleased. I now call him Sir Mickey. That's how I always address my emails to him. He’s a lovely guy.

Would you turn down a knighthood if it was offered to you?

I would. I simply don’t need that sort of validation. It's enough for me to know, because people often tell me, that I’ve helped them through difficult times by making them laugh.

They come home, turn on an episode of Fawlty Towers and the world doesn’t seem quite so bleak. That's my reward.

I think we need much more laughter in the world.

I'm not advocating mean teasing. Just good old-fashioned laughter. There's nothing to beat it.

Are you pleased at the runaway stage success of Fawlty Towers in the West End?