Philosophers' football match becomes a reality

The Monty Python sketch in which philosophers clashed on the football field has inspired a real-life soccer match.

Comedians including Mark Steel and Arthur Smith will join genuine philosophers such as Julian Baggini, Nigel Warburton and Simon Glendinning for the sporting highlight.

Socrates Wanderers will take on Nietzsche Albion in the match at Wingate & Finchley’s Harry Abrahams Stadium in North London on May 9. Click here for tickets.

The contest, being backed by former England manager Graham Taylor, has been set up to promote the The Philosophy Shop, which teaches schoolchildren philosophy as a way of ‘escaping the narrowness of the National Curriculum’.

The event has the backing of the Pythons, and Terry Jones will be on the bench.

Here is the original 1972 sketch:

Meanwhile, another batch of comedians will be lacing up their football boots for a charity tournament at Old Trafford tomorrow (May 1).

Jason Manford, Paddy McGuinness, Lee Mack, Angus Deayton and Justin Moorhouse will be taking to the Manchester United turf in a Reds vs Rivals match in aid of Sport Relief. Click here for more details.

Published: 30 Apr 2010