Stand-up comedian, actor and writer Alexei Sayle is widely considered to be one of the founders of the alternative comedy movement of England in the early 1980s. Claiming to be very influenced by the Monty Python tradition, Sayle's particular brand of humor is usually based around surreal premises and involves a good deal of physical comedy. However, as an active member of England's socialist party, Sayle also incorporates political commentary and satire into his stand-up, often in a cynical manner. Sayle has hosted several radio and television programs, has appeared in films like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, as well as in Shakespearean theatre productions, and has written several novels and columns.
