Monty Python Honoured with Royal Mail Stamp Collection Celebrating 50 Years of Absurdity


Monty Python Honoured with Royal Mail Stamp Collection Celebrating 50 Years of Absurdity

Monty Python, one of Britain's most influential and absurd comedy groups, are being honoured in the most quintessentially British way, with their own special edition Royal Mail stamps.

In a move sure to delight fans old and new, Royal Mail has unveiled a new ten-stamp collection celebrating Monty Python’s timeless comedy, marking over five decades since the groundbreaking troupe first graced our screens with their surreal humour.

The stamps, which go on sale this month, feature a montage of scenes and cut-out illustrations from some of their most beloved sketches, capturing the group's unique blend of satire, silliness, and sharp wit that changed the face of British comedy forever.

A set of 10 stamps will be released in the coming weeks by the postal service– Credit Royal Mail

Comedy Classics in Stamp Form

Included in the main set are unforgettable moments from the original BBC series "Monty Python’s Flying Circus", such as:

The Spanish Inquisition

The Ministry of Silly Walks

The Lumberjack Song

The Dead Parrot Sketch

Nudge Nudge

Spam

 

These iconic scenes are immortalised through a clever mix of photography and Terry Gilliam’s legendary animation style, ensuring the essence of Monty Python’s unique visual identity is fully represented.

The stamps pay tribute not only to the group's classic material but also to their visual innovation, particularly Gilliam’s surreal cut-out animations that became a Python trademark.

One stamp features Sir Robin’s encounter with the Three-Headed Giant – Credit Royal Mail

Holy Grail Gets Royal Treatment

To mark the 50th anniversary of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail", four additional stamps have been released to honour the cult classic film. Fans will instantly recognise key scenes and characters, from King Arthur and the Knights Who Say “Ni!” to the infamous Black Knight who refuses to concede defeat despite losing all his limbs.

Royal Mail’s statement praised the group for their “trailblazing comedy that pushed boundaries and created a lasting legacy in British and global entertainment.”

A Stamp of Approval from the Pythons

Sir Michael Palin, one of the original Pythons, reacted to the announcement with his usual dry humour: “I’m very glad to share a stamp with the nude organist.”

The line references the recurring sketch from "Flying Circus" where a nude organist would interrupt scenes, a perfect example of the bizarre and unpredictable nature of Python comedy.

Palin, now 81, has remained active in travel documentaries and writing, but remains proud of his time with the troupe that launched a comedic revolution.

When and Where to Get Them

The stamps are available for pre-order now via the Royal Mail website and will be officially released for sale nationwide. Collectors and comedy fans alike can choose from presentation packs, framed sets, and first-day covers.

Whether you're sending a letter or simply want a slice of British comedy history on your wall, these stamps are a must-have for anyone who ever laughed at a dead parrot, sang about lumberjacks, or claimed they “didn’t expect the Spanish Inquisition.”

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