Friday, April 9, 2010

What puts the "Great" in Great Britain?


'Scuse to my fellow countrymen who probably remember this, but finally found this thanks to Youtube! 

Now, Great Britain has enjoyed a long and storied history, with an empire spanning the whole globe, developed pretty much everything that you hold dear today. Railways, TV's, engineering, the internet, and the humble roll of toilet paper! However, after the War, Britain began a slow decline with the empire fragmenting, and many other nations leapfrogging Britain. Britain is still a major player, but not the top dog any more.

However, Britain is still great because of fabulous nights of comedy. It is something that we can still do well! 2 years ago it was Prince Charles' 60 birthday and a gala programme was laid on, with all monies going to Charles' Prince's Trust. A very worthwhile charity.

Britain may not be up to much, any more (apart from making luxury cars, the internet, programming, and some other top end stuff), but one thing we can do is comedy! A stream of funny people ooze from Britain, and gently wander round the world! A gathering of some of Britain's finest talent was gathered together for this show.

The show itself was compared by the silver haired wonder that is Philip Schofield.


The master of ceremonies was the awesome John Cleese, who is beginning to get on a bit! But still funny!


The first act up was a reasonably new comic, Michael Macintyre. Scottish name, terribly English accent, hugely funny! Not intimidating in any way, and I did love his description of "The Man Drawer!"



Next up, the evergreen Bill Bailey. IF you dont know this guy, then you have been living under a rock. A bit like Bill, actually. A guy who looks a bit like a troll, or Merlin, or a character from Harry Potter. Amazingly musically, etherially funny!



Next up, an interloper from overseas. Robin Williams. Yes, he is American, but still funny, so I dont mind including him in here!



We also saw Rowan Williams back in a Vicar outfit, delivering a sermon in that wonderful deadpan style that has made him so popular, and served him well as the acerbic Blackadder!

 

Stephen K. Amos burst onto the scene in 2001, and his star has risen ever since. Amazingly funny, and has managed to be quite active in campaigning against homophobia and racism.



We also had John Culshaw, an impressionist and comedian. Hugely popular for his ability to mimic many of the worlds famous stars. But probably most famous for his take on the American Precipice, er, President... Then followed by Omid Djalili, the funniest Iranian comic. According to John Cleese.



We also saw appearances from Andrew Sachs, reprising his role as Manuel from Fawlty Towers, with John Cleese as Basil Fawlty.


Amanda Holden and Alistair McGowan had a wonderful sketch as news programme hosts, with Amanda Holden broadcasting news from history, and Alistair McGowan fronting a modern version of the news Amanda talks about, with a comedic twist.


Another interloper, a famous lady from New York, Joan Rivers.


To finish the whole show off, a song known round the world, an example of British comedy at its best, and in many ways, a song most Brits hold dear in their hearts, and follow its advice!



And remember folks, always look on the bright side of life, face the audience with a grin, and head out laughing!

No comments: