Entertainment For Lively Minds
Sir Henry at Rawlinson End
Posted by fat bob on 19 January 2012 - 11:16pm.
When:
19 January
Where:
St George's, Bristol
Comments:
I am sure that Word readers won't need me to introduce Vivian Stanshall's 1978 lp of Sir Henry at Rawlinson End. In this show Mike Livesley and a group of crack musicians recreate the world of Sir Henry, Scrotum (the wrinkled retainer), Aunt Florrie et all in a production that affectionately and remarkably accurately reproduces the original. Stanshall himself toured this in 1978, but if a crude live recording is anything to go by, the performances lacked the sparkle required for an hour of storytelling and some songs. No such trouble here as Livesley energetically occupies all of the characters. The show is not touring, but appearing sporadically (London in March, Penzance in June). If you can, go. It's a brilliant evening of true English eccentricity.
The Audience:
Mostly over 40, if not 50. Stanshalleque beards were there in good number. Some garish hats and one man who appeared to be wearing a spangly superhero cape.
Food & Drink:
A lovely pint of Bath Ales Gem for me. Respectable wine list, but no sign of the Thali Cafe concession that I once saw there.
It Made Me Think...:
Rawlinson End has long been a private pleasure for me, only ever shared with the tiny number of friends that also listened to Peel when I was a lad. To be in a room with a large number of people that also adored it was lovely.
I'm jealous.
I'd love to see that live. Sometimes I wish I'd never emigrated.