And it's on a pub, of course

An unofficial ‘blue plaque’ was unveiled to Graham Chapman today, on the side of a pub in Highgate, North London.

The memorial was organised by Chapman's family, friends, and former colleagues, who said that English Heritage dropped plans for an 'official' plaque because of budget cuts. 

Fellow Monty Python stars Terry Jones, Michael Palin and Carol Cleveland unveiled the plaque, which was put up on The Angel Inn by the British Comedy Society.

The inscription reads: 'Graham Chapman, a very naughty boy, 8 January 1941 to 4 October 1989, comedian and writer, member of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, drank here often and copiously'.

Barry Cryer, who hosted proceedings, said: ‘Graham was one of my best mates. We did an awful lot of writing together, but also an awful lot of drinking together.  I think the pub is the perfect place to put the plaque. Very Graham, very silly.’

British Comedy Society chairman Gareth Hughes said: ‘Monty Python were like the Beatles of comedy – a group of writer-performers who changed the rules and conquered the world.  

‘Graham in many ways represented the lunatic spirit of Python, so it's entirely appropriate that he should be celebrated with a BCS blue plaque on the side of his local pub.’

The life of Graham Chapman will also be honoured in a new animated film A Liar’s Autobiography, based on his book and featuring his voice, captured on tape before his death in 1989. It will receive its UK premiere at the London Film Festival next month and will be released in nationwide on January 25.

The British Comedy Society has previously honoured comedians such as Tony Hancock, Kenneth Williams and Frankie Howerd with blue plaque.

Published: 6 Sep 2012