Fiction    From 7/12/1969 

Dead Parrot Sketch

One of the most famous of the sketches in the television comedy series 'Monty Python's Flying Circus'. Written by Graham Chapman and John Cleese, and performed by Cleese and Michael Palin. Initially performed in the 8th episode of the 1st series, first aired 7 December 1969.

An angry customer complains to a pet shop owner that he has been sold a parrot that: ''is no more", "has ceased to be", "bereft of life, it rests in peace" etc. Wait for the ads to go away and you can watch it here.

Margaret Thatcher (who was not known for her sense of humour) was reportedly mystified when quotes from it were included in one of her speeches. She had never heard of the television show, let alone seen the sketch. After finally being shown it, she was even more bewildered, and is supposed to have asked: 'This Monty Python, is he one of us?'. To avoid further confusion she was told he was a big Thatcher fan.

Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk

This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Dead Parrot Sketch

Commemorated ati

Dead Parrot monument

Created by artist John Reardon, in homage to the Monty Python's Flying Circus...

Read More

Other Subjects

Anna Louisa Woodward

Anna Louisa Woodward

The World League for Protection of Animals gives:"The World League was founded ... in Germany in 1898 ... The English branch of the League was established in 1900 by Miss A L Woodward; she continue...

Person, Animals

1 memorial
Sugar

Sugar

Sugar was John Henderson's companion for 10 years before she died. When Sugar died John said: “She was my best friend and I was hers. We did everything together. ... “She was a rescue dog. One day ...

Animal, Animals

1 memorial
Mother Goose

Mother Goose

The interment register at St Olaves Hart Street records Mother Goose being buried on 14 September 1586. This is extremely strange so we did some digging.  The story of a goose laying golden eggs ca...

Fiction, Animals, Fictional

1 memorial
Sheridan’s Stables

Sheridan’s Stables

Harrow Through Time by Don Walter dates this bucolic image to 1795.

Building, Animals

1 memorial
Maria Dickin

Maria Dickin

Social reformer and animal welfare pioneer. Born at 1 Farrington Terrace (Now 41 Cassland Road), Hackney. She saw the plight of sick animals and owners who could not afford veterinary fees, whilst ...

Person, Animals, Philanthropy

1 memorial