Yesterday I mentioned the Globe Theatre – that magical place where many of Shakespeare’s plays first played. Well, I have another Globe story that I thought you might enjoy.
Back in 1997, a reconstruction of the Globe was built near the site of the original. It was beautifully created using the same materials – the only exception being a sprinkler system installed in the thatched roof. This was probably a good idea considering that the original Globe went up in flames in 1613 when a cannon misfired during a performance of Henry the Eighth.
Anyway, the Globe restoration cost a pretty pence. So, one way they generated money was through the “sale” of pavers that were to be placed around the completed building. For a hefty sum, your name could be engraved within the paver for all the world to see, like, forever and ever until the end of time.
As you can tell by the photo above, one of the paver purchasers was John Cleese of Monty Python fame. For those of you younger than dirt, John also played the part of Nearly Headless Nick in the Harry Potter films.
However, John did not simply pay for his paver and move on. No, no, no. In fact, he told the Globe fund-raisers that he would NOT purchase a paver unless he could buy two – one for himself and one for his dear friend and Monty Python co-conspirator, Michael Palin.
But John had conditions…
Yes, he would pay handsomely,
BUT
only if Michael Palin’s paver was right next to his.
AND
they misspelled Michael’s name.
Forever and ever,
until the end
of time.
I’m guessing that John is probably responsible for the splotchy bit in the corner of Mike’s stone, as well.
PROMPT: It’s all about the Pythons and their Flying Circus today. Push the boundaries of “acceptable” writing. Get a little crazy. Go a little wild. Create your own dead parrot sketch or sing of the Spam we knew before the Net.
