Monty Python's "The Ministry of Silly Walks"

On the 15th of September 1970, the UK learned about one of the more obscure departments of the British Civil Service: The Ministry of Silly Walks. Given the ministry's ranking below the departments for Defence, Social Security, Health, Housing and Education, it's survival beyond 1970 cannot be confirmed.

One of the most famous comedy sketches from the Monty Python team, alongside "The Cheese Shop," "The Spanish Inquisition" and the "Dead Parrot," John Cleese's performance as civil servant, Mr. Teabag is probably second only to Terry Gilliam's descending foot, as the most iconic image from the show. The sketch is the perfect blend of absurdity and satire, using the serious, deadpan discussion of nonsensical walks as a means to poke fun at the pomposity of bureacracy. This famous sketch is often to be found in the upper echelons of lists ranking the greatest moments of comedy, and as such, it feels more than worthy of a Lego tribute!

In this project, I've tried to capture not only the famous silhouette, but also give the builder some extra pose-ability so they can finesse their own silly walk. (Hopefully slightly better than Mr. Putey's (Michael Palin) rather boring attempt - "The right leg isn't silly at all, and the left leg merely does a forward aerial half-turn every alternate step.") I've tried to capture the seriousness of Mr Teabag's facial expression, but it could be the a dedicated eye decoration might help - the side profile's pursed lip and jutting jaw felt quite good to design!

The grounded leg has technic pieces running through it to stabilise the model, and the Umbrella tip can be placed into an open stud for extra support. Where possible, I've used ratcheted connection to increase limb strength - John Cleese's spindly limbs are such an important part of why "Silly Walks" remains so funny over 50 years later.

Monty Python's Flying Circus is internationally reknowned and still loved by hundred's of millions of fans worldwide. I think we're long overdue a Monty Python Lego set, and who knows, maybe this one is silly enough to make the grade!