Royal Mail Issues Special Stamp Series Showcasing Favourite Monty Python Skits

In a delightful homage to one of Britain's most influential comedy troupes, Royal Mail has unveiled a collection of 10 stamps honouring Monty Python. The set, available for pre-order from August 7 and going on general sale from August 14, showcases highlights from the series that left an indelible mark on global comedy.

Formed in 1969, Monty Python consisted of comics Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Sir Michael Palin, and Terry Gilliam. The group's sketch comedy show, Monty Python's Flying Circus, had sketches so popular that generations of fans can still recite all the lines. The main collection of six stamps celebrates characters from this iconic BBC TV series that ran from 1969 to 1974.

Eric Idle, a member of Monty Python, created the medieval musical "Spamalot," which earned a Tony award for best musical after its Broadway run. Idle's creation is one of the featured scenes on the stamps, alongside memorable moments from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, such as 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.

The stamp collection also honours Monty Python's body of work that has shaped the comedic landscape for nearly six decades. This includes films like Life of Brian, telling the story of a man who was mistaken for Jesus, and The Meaning of Life. Tragically, some members of the group are no longer with us. Terry Jones, another member of Monty Python, died from a rare form of dementia in 2020 at the age of 77. Graham Chapman, a member of Monty Python, died of tonsil cancer in 1989 at the age of 48.

David Gold, Royal Mail's director of external affairs and policy, stated that Monty Python has left an indelible mark on global comedy and remains unmistakably British. Sir Michael Palin, a member of Monty Python, referenced a character from Monty Python's Flying Circus, saying he was "very glad to share a stamp with the nude organist!" The stamps, along with a range of collectible products, are a fitting tribute to one of Britain's most influential and enduring comedy troupes.