Royal Mail stamps celebrate Monty Python comedy classics

Highlights from the Monty Python stamp set featuring scenes from the film Monty Python And The Holy Grail (Royal Mail/PA) PA Media

A set of 10 stamps from Royal Mail will pay tribute to "one of Britain's most influential and enduring comedy troupes" - Monty Python. The collection celebrates the groundbreaking group that has entertained generations with their absurdist humour and unforgettable sketches.

The main collection of six stamps celebrates characters from Monty Python's Flying Circus, the BBC television series which ran from 1969 to 1974. The stamps showcase highlights including the Spanish Inquisition, the Ministry of Silly Walks, the Lumberjack Song, the Dead Parrot Sketch, Nudge Nudge, and Spam.

Holy Grail gets special treatment

Presented in a miniature sheet, a further four stamps celebrate the cult 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail in honour of 50 years since its release. Scenes featured on the stamps include The Black Knight's defiant "'Tis but a scratch!", King Arthur and his knights receiving their divine quest, and Sir Robin's encounter with the Three-Headed Giant.

Formed in 1969, Monty Python was one of the UK's best-known comedy troupes, made up of comics Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Sir Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam. The sketches became so popular that generations of fans can still recite all the lines decades later.

Python's lasting comedy legacy

Sir Michael Palin expressed his delight at the honour with characteristic Python humour, saying: "Very glad to share a stamp with the nude organist!" David Gold, Royal Mail's director of external affairs and policy, praised the group's enduring influence on comedy.

"Monty Python has left an indelible mark on global comedy, all while remaining unmistakably British at its core," Gold said. "From their groundbreaking television debut to a string of iconic films, this stamp collection honours a body of work that has shaped the comedic landscape for nearly six decades."

From TV success to film fame

The group followed their television work by making a series of films including 1979's Life of Brian, the story of a man who was mistaken for Jesus, and 1983's The Meaning of Life. Eric Idle, now 82, later created the medieval musical Spamalot, which earned a Tony award for best musical after its Broadway run.

Sadly, two members of the original troupe have died. Graham Chapman died of tonsil cancer in 1989 aged 48, while Terry Jones died from a rare form of dementia in 2020, aged 77.

The stamps and a range of collectible products are available to pre-order from August 7 and go on general sale from August 14.

(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.