BACK IN 2015, Graham Linehan told the Radio Times that he would be interested in reviving Father Ted, but had his sights set on the stage as opposed to the television studios.
And he wasn’t just talking your standard play either; Graham saw an all-singing, all-dancing, spinning cardinal production.
But before fans could wheel out their best ‘I hear you’re a racist now, Father’, Graham revealed that co-creator, Arthur Linehan, wasn’t quite as sold on the idea as he was.
However, it looks like that’s all changed, with Graham confirming that a Father Ted musical is ‘almost written’.
Taking to Twitter yesterday, Graham gave Father Ted fans what they’ve all been waiting for oh, you know, twenty years.
‘Pope Ted—The Father Ted Musical’ written by Arthur Mathews and myself, music by Neil Hannon, is almost written. I just thought you’d like to know. THIS IS NOT A DRILL!
— Graham YES Linehan (@Glinner) June 2, 2018
‘Pope Ted—The Father Ted Musical’ written by Arthur Mathews and myself, music by Neil Hannon, is almost written. I just thought you’d like to know. THIS IS NOT A DRILL!
And sure look, it’s hardly surprising that Twitter nearly lost its reason.
Airing over three seasons between 1995 and 1998, Graham Linehan and Arthur Matthews’ creation acted as a catalyst for some of the greatest comedic moments in televisual history.
And now we’re getting a fecking night out out of it.
Here’s what Twitter had to say…
This is the best thing I’ve heard in a very very long time!
— Tim Downie (@TimDownie1) June 2, 2018
— Dr Ben White (@drbenwhite) June 2, 2018
This had better be true... pic.twitter.com/LhBpIwSc0K
— Lee Isaacs (@WineMan147) June 2, 2018
Oh my frickin' God. What a month, victory for #repealthe8th and a Father Ted revival. Sweet Jesus the stars are aligning.
— Susan Runham (@pats06) June 2, 2018
I’ll hyperventilate!!!!
— Shar A (@Shar_A_) June 2, 2018
This might be the thing that finally gets me on a plane back from the US after four years.
— James Bachman (@MrJamesBachman) June 3, 2018
Grey-haired Irish guy, 40s, stage experience, encyclopaedic knowledge of every Ted show...I’m your man 🙏
— Stephen McCourt (@smc8976) June 2, 2018
@toastofnowhere pic.twitter.com/khc3JbLn04
— Charis (@JohnLeCharis) June 2, 2018
And finally…
I see Len's already booked his ticket pic.twitter.com/pOV9ktgZko
— Jarrad (@guitarsandvinyl) June 2, 2018
