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Honour for comedian Al Murray

22/09/2017

Popular comedian and author Al Murray has received an honorary degree from the University of Wolverhampton.

Famous for his alter ego, the Pub Landlord, Al Murray is one of the most successful comedians in the UK.

He was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Social Science by the University at a graduation ceremony on Friday, 22 September 2017.

The award was made in recognition of Al’s contribution towards military history, which is a major research strength of the University, and his passion in raising its profile to the younger demographic.

He said: “It is my deep honour and privilege to receive this honorary doctorate from a University famed for its excellence in military history. It is entirely flattering and utterly unexpected.

“I would like to thank Professor Gary Sheffield, who is part of the excellent war studies department at Wolverhampton. If you are going to get an honorary doctorate, this is the place to get it from as they are famed for their work in this area.

“I grew up in a family where military history was the default Sunday afternoon conversation, and this interest burned away for years.”

Al also had this advice for graduates: “When in life you are given the opportunity to interact with other enthusiasts grab it with both hands, because you have no idea where it will take you, and this is the thing you have all done.

“University is where you assemble yourself and graduation is where you take that out into the world.”   

One of the most recognisable and successful comics in the UK, for over 20 years Al Murray with his alter-ego, The Pub Landlord, has filled the biggest theatres in the country including London’s Royal Albert Hall and the 02 Arena. His celebrated stand-up shows have seen him win a Perrier Award and secure two Olivier Award nominations.

Al’s TV credits include Al Murray’s Happy Hour; Time Gentlemen Please; The Royal Variety Performance; Live at the Apollo; and Live at the Palladium. His passion for film and history resulted in factual TV shows including: Al Murray’s Great British War Movies, Al Murray’s Great British Spy Movies, Al Murray’s German Adventure and Al Murray’s Road to Berlin.

Al has guest edited the New Year’s Day episode of The Today Programme on BBC Radio 4, and is the host of 7 Day Saturday, on Radio 5. As a writer, Al has enjoyed success with The Pub Landlord’s Book of British Common Sense, Think Yourself British, Great British Pub Quiz Book, Let’s Re-Great Britain and outlined his passion for military history in the bestselling Watching War Films With My Dad.

In 2015 as the Pub Landlord Al Murray famously took on leadership of the Free United Kingdom Party, standing in the general election for the hotly contested Kent constituency of South Thanet.

The University of Wolverhampton awards honorary degrees to people who have made a significant contribution to their field of expertise.

Graduation takes place at the Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, from Friday 15 September to Friday, 22 September 2017.

For more information about University of Wolverhampton courses visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/clearing

Further information

For more information please contact the Media Relations Office on 01902 32 2736 or 01902 518647.

Date Issued: Friday, 22 September 2017

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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