Monty Python Live adds a further five dates, tickets on sale Friday

It’s the reunion that just keeps on giving – and taking at the box office. Due to “overwhelming popular demand”, the Pythons have added a further five shows to the run of the much-anticipated Monty Python Live (mostly) at the London O2 Arena this summer. Tickets for the new dates – on 15, 16, 18, 19 and 20 July 2014 – will go on-sale at 10am on Friday 29 November.

Last week, when tickets for the first "one-off" reunion performance on 1 July, they sold out in a record 43.5 seconds. A further four extra dates (2-5 July) went on sale immediately and sold out in minutes.

On announcing today's extra dates, John Cleese said: “The response to our planned reunion has been very, very silly. But, we're all touched that so many fans still want to see such old people perform. So we're delighted to be adding more dates to the run at the O2.”

Monty Python Live, which the Pythons have joked is being staged to pay off Terry Jones' mortgage, marks the first time the group have performed together since appearing at the Hollywood Bowl on 15 September 1980.

Tickets are priced between £27.50 and £90, with 'platinum' and 'meet-and-greet' packages available for up to £495.

After rising to fame through their TV series Monty Python's Flying Circus, the group went on to make the films Monty Python and the Holy Grail (the basis for Spamalot), The Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life.

Eric Idle's Life of Brian musical adaptation Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy) – billed as "like Handel only funnier" – was remounted at the Royal Albert Hall in 2009 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first Monty Python broadcast.

Monty Python Live will be directed by Eric Idle, with choreography from Arlene Phillips. It will also feature an appearance from Carol Cleveland, the only major female performer on Monty Python's Flying Circus.

After its dates in London the show is expected to embark on an international tour.