Monty Python Influences

[sallygrist <sally@gristiegraphics.co.uk>]

Dear all,

I appologise if this is actually common knowledge, but I'll post this 
message anyway for the benefit of those who were unaware. 

I've read in interviews that JK is a great fan of British comedy, and 
loves Monty Python, but I didn't realise quite the extent to which 
their work has influenced her writing.

While settling down late last night to watch an old repeat of Monty 
Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl on Paramount Comedy, I was dozing 
off to sleep when a sketch entitled 'The Whizzo Chocolate Factory' 
caught my attention. 

"Sounds a bit like something from Harry Potter", I mused to myself. 
And sure enough as the scene unfurled I was thrilled to discover the 
obvious inspiration behind some of JK's sweets, namely Chocolate 
Frogs, Cockroach Clusters and some extensive talk of lark's vomit 
confectionary.  

The full sketch can be read here: (WARNING, contains plenty of the 
usual Monty Python language so don't read if you're easily offended)

http://members.tripod.com/~dr_zeuss42/Sketches.html

Do the guys from Monty Python really know the full extent of their 
influence? And does anyone else know of any other unlikely influences 
that they've stumbled upon?

Sally