Sunday music spot: updated versionss of Ko-Ko's little list from The Mikado
The original words of the Lord High Executioner's "Little List" song (of people to execute if it becomes necessary) are still enough, but some of the updated versions have been hysterical.
Sadly these often date quickly, but here is a June 2010 version performed by Ben Cohen which is recent enough that every one of these jokes will still strike a chord, and all the US jokes have British analogues.
And then here is Eric Idle in 1986 at the time of various politician sex scandal stories appearing in the papers. Those of us who remember that era will appreciate this.
Sadly for those who don't remember the eighties this will have dated, but when this was recorded, David Jenkins, who gave the impression that he didn't believe in God, was Bishop of Durham and James Anderton, who appeared to think that he had a special mission from God, was Chief Constable of Greater Manchester. It was suggested that they should have switched jobs ...
Some of the jokes about opera singers and ladies who wiggle their behinds may be aimed at a fellow cast member, Lesley Garrett, who played Yum-Yum in this production ...
As Eric Idle had all Australians on his little list, it seems only fair to give the Ozzies a chance to come back so here is a 2011 Opera Australia version from Mitchell Butel of Avenue Q fame - interesting that he takes his own slightly different pop at many of the same targets Ben Cohen suggested in 2010.
We couldn't do a Gilbert and Sullivan collection post without the late great John Reed, here performing a version which is almost identical to the original but still very funny ...
And finally here is Sir Thomas Allen at the last night of the Proms in 2004
The little list should also include anyone who thinks we could manage without consultant-led maternity at WCH so #SupportOption1
Sadly these often date quickly, but here is a June 2010 version performed by Ben Cohen which is recent enough that every one of these jokes will still strike a chord, and all the US jokes have British analogues.
And then here is Eric Idle in 1986 at the time of various politician sex scandal stories appearing in the papers. Those of us who remember that era will appreciate this.
Sadly for those who don't remember the eighties this will have dated, but when this was recorded, David Jenkins, who gave the impression that he didn't believe in God, was Bishop of Durham and James Anderton, who appeared to think that he had a special mission from God, was Chief Constable of Greater Manchester. It was suggested that they should have switched jobs ...
Some of the jokes about opera singers and ladies who wiggle their behinds may be aimed at a fellow cast member, Lesley Garrett, who played Yum-Yum in this production ...
As Eric Idle had all Australians on his little list, it seems only fair to give the Ozzies a chance to come back so here is a 2011 Opera Australia version from Mitchell Butel of Avenue Q fame - interesting that he takes his own slightly different pop at many of the same targets Ben Cohen suggested in 2010.
We couldn't do a Gilbert and Sullivan collection post without the late great John Reed, here performing a version which is almost identical to the original but still very funny ...
And finally here is Sir Thomas Allen at the last night of the Proms in 2004
The little list should also include anyone who thinks we could manage without consultant-led maternity at WCH so #SupportOption1
Comments
An even better rendition.
Probably wisely, Peter (who was my MP at the time) did not attempt to sing, so it doesn't qualify as a musical entry, but the sentiments were excellent.
I was in the hall for that speech, it came over far better if you were actually there than it did on the television.