Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please

Subject: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Joybell
Date: 21 Nov 05 - 05:50 PM

I'm writing a musical play "The Life and Death of Robin Hood - a Musical" Using songs from all over because we're slipping in and out of time zones. So many good songs there's no problem with most of the bits.

I need a song for Little John. One about water. It will be at the point where he and Robin perform what seems to be a baptism, by dunking each other off the tree-bridge. I can't afford to frighten Christians (who'll be a large part of the audience in our little town)by hinting too strongly that the story might be a form of the John the Baptist and Jesus story. However a good rousing song for all the cast to sing, that's still meaningful, is what I need. A hint at purification by water would be good.
Any ideas? Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Peace
Date: 21 Nov 05 - 06:51 PM

http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/teams/little.htm
Place to start people thinking, anyway.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Peace
Date: 21 Nov 05 - 06:58 PM

Great site about the whole Robin Hood 'thing'.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Joybell
Date: 21 Nov 05 - 08:18 PM

Thanks Peace, That's one of the first sites I found and I keep going back. It really is a good one. I'd always thought the scene with Robin and Little John on the bridge was a baptism and this site expores that idea. It also explores other themes I'm including involving folklore and Faerie types.
Thanks for the other one on the ballad too.

I keep singing "Wade in the Water" and seeing the whole cast getting involved. That's the feel I'm after. Don't want to have it seen as mockery though. Thanks again, Peace. A good start. Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Joybell
Date: 23 Nov 05 - 04:02 PM

Still hoping

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Ebbie
Date: 23 Nov 05 - 04:05 PM

Great premise, Joy!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Joybell
Date: 23 Nov 05 - 04:19 PM

Yes Ebbie. The connection between John the Baptist and Little John may or may not be far-fetched, (John's a popular name) but anyway it will make for good drama I reckon.
Hildebrand wants me to call the play - "The Death of Robin Hood - A Musical Comedy". Dunno yet. Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Flash Company
Date: 24 Nov 05 - 05:33 AM

Hi Joy, I have been giving this some thought over the last two days. Problem is, I don't often do serious!
It seems to me that the encounter in question was a one to one thing, with no one else about until Robin blew his horn and called up the Merry Men. That being the case, what you need is two songs, one a soliloquy for John about guarding the bridge, and then a bragging song as a duet between John and Robin leading up to the fight on the bridge. This could then be reprised as a Chorus Song by Robin, John and the Merry Men after R has been pulled out of the drink (Real water if you can manage it).
Can't think of anything for the soliloquy at present but will keep trying, The bragging song, I keep finding 'The Sporting Races of Galway' going through my mind:-

Oh my name it is John Little,
Tho' I'm oft called Little John......

There I stick at the moment But as the man said 'I'll be back!'

FC

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Joybell
Date: 24 Nov 05 - 04:05 PM

Flash Company, Thank you. You've got something there. I like those ideas. I could use the same format of one to one encounter then a reprise for the other Merry Men too. I'll take a look at 'The Sporting Races of Galway' and other bragging songs. I have re-written some songs as parodies for other bits of the play.

Little John, Will Scarlet and Much the Miller's Son are the Merry Men of the earliest ballads. The other Merry Men came later. I'm thinking of having Little John as the first one to be gathered.
The stories about the gathering of the Men is to be told around a camp fire - in flash-back. This way the whole cast is there, even the Sheriff of Nottingham who is paying for the feast as usual. I'm doing it rather like the way the parables are told in "Godspell" - in mime and a few words, using a narrator.
The stream will be lengths of blue and green gauze held by some of the cast. There is a lot of interchange between the cast and the audience. (I was greatly influenced by Pantomime as a child) Thanks again FC. I'll be interested in seeing what develops. Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Artful Codger
Date: 24 Nov 05 - 11:51 PM

Better than "Wade in the Water" would be "As I Went Down to the Water to Pray" (IMHO). But too overtly religious and not quite a propos.

Have you thought of taking a waterish song with a good chune and writing your own words, in true broadside fashion?
Codgerly...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Joybell
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 07:41 AM

Yes I had Codger. I've done that in other parts of the play. Might have to do that. I just have a feeling that the ideal song is somewhere around for Little John. Thanks, Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Flash Company
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 07:58 AM

Oh my Name it is John Little, though I'm oft called Little John,
And if you would walk across this bridge that I stand guard upon,
You will tell to me your business and will tell to me your name,
Or I'll dump you in the water and return you whence you came,
With my Whack fol da do, fol da diddly dum a day.

Robin-

So men call you Little John, Well I call you John The Fool,
You are John the Idiot if you seek to soak me in the pool,
For my bow it is the fastest in the land so it is said,
And I'll surely split your gizzard before you can break my head'
With your Whack fol da do, fol da diddly dum a day.

John-

Well your bow may be the fastest, but my eye is quicker still,
I can strike an arrow from the air e'er it can reach it's kill,
And you will not get a second shot, before the string you pull,
I will reach you in a second and crack your mangy scull,
With my whack fol da do, fol da diddly dum a da

As to your name bold traveller, well now I know you well,
And what I know I say to you that I will boldly tell,
For your name it is Sir Coward, and your name it is Sir Thief,
And e'er you are departed I will surely cause you grief
With my Whack fol da do fol da diddly dum a day'

More to come>>>>>

FC

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Flash Company
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 11:11 AM

Robin

Well now Master Little John, I have to say it's so,
That if you fight ought like you talk, you'd be a mighty foe,
But no man who calls me coward lives to fight another day,
So I'd best cut me a quarter staff and the we'll make affray
With our Whack fol da do fol da diddly dum a day!

John

Lay on then, bold Sir Traveller, but when the battle's done,
You'll know that I'm the better man, for I'll have surely won,
And when your head is bleeding and your body stiff and sore,
You'll be sitting in the water a dozen yards from shore
With your Whack fol da do fol da diddly dum a day!

Fight Scene.. Ending with R dumped in the stream (Please manage real water!)

Robin (damply)

Well now Bold Sir Little John, you're better than your word,
I'd back you with your quarter-staff against most any sword.
Know that my name is Robin Hood, I'm outlawed in this land,
Now come away to Sherwood and join my rebel band
With your Whack fol da do fol da diddly dum a day!

Can probably be improved on, but I expect you get the idea. Sorry I am at the other side of the world, I would like to see the show!

For the record, I enjoyed doing that, I don't do serious very often.
Feel free to use any or all of the above, sorry I dont do Chords and stuff like that, but there is bound to be someone around who knows the tune, The Clancy Bros used to do it.
Break a leg!

Flash Company(aka Brian Quinn)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: open mike
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 01:02 PM

perhaps there is a troll under the birdge as in billy goats gruff?

what a great project, Joy, i wish you luck (and skill)

i have images in my mind of the wscene from Oh, Brother

where the song was i wnt down to the water to pray.'


or Wade in the water, wade in the water children....
http://www.mudcat.org/@displaysong.cfm?SongID=7558

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Roberto
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 01:36 PM

ROBIN HOOD AND LITTLE JOHN (#125)

Three recordings.

a) Robin Hood
John Strachan, Songs from Aberdeenshire, The Alan Lomax Collection, Portraits, Rounder 82161-1835-2, 1957
Staff notation on Bertrand Harris Bronson, The Singing Tradition of Child's Popular Ballads, 1976 – Robin Hood and Little John, sung by John Strachan

When Robin Hood was aboot twenty years old
He happened to meet Little John
A jolly bridge blade, just fit for the trade
And he was a sturdy young man

They happened to meet in Nottingham Bridge
And neither of them would give way
Quo brave Robin Hood in right merry mood:
I'll show you right Nottingham play

Robin laid on sae thick and sae hard
He made Little John tae admire
And every knock it made his bones smoke
As if he had been in a fire



b) Robin Hood And Little John
Wallace House, Robin Hood Ballads, Folkways F-6839, 1953, 1962

When Robin Hood was about twenty years old
He happend to meet Little John
A jolly brisk blade, right fit for the trade
For he was a lusty young man

They happend to meet on a long narrow bridge
And neither of them would give way
Quoth bold Robin Hood, and sturdily stood:
I'll show you right Nottingham play

Lo! see my staff, it is lusty and tough
Now here on the bridge we will play
Whoever falls in, the other shall win
The battle, and so we'll away

At first Robin he gave the stranger a bang
So hard that it made his bones ring
The stranger he said - This must be repaid
I'll give you as good as you bring

The stranger gave Robin a crack on the crown
Which caused the blood to appear
Then Robin, enrag'd, more fiercely engag'd
And followd his blows more severe

O then into fury the stranger he grew
And gave him a damnable look
And with it a blow that laid him full low
And tunbled him into the brook

Then unto the bank he did presently wade
And pulld himself out by a thorn
Which done, at the last, he blowd a loud blast
Straitway on his fine bugle-horn

The eccho of which through the vallies did fly
At which his stout bowmen appeard
All clothd in green, most gay to be seen
So up to their master they steerd

There's no one shall wrong thee, friend, be
not afraid
These bowmen upon me do wait
There's threescore and nine, if thou wilt be
mine
Thou shalt have my livery strait

O here is my hand - the stranger reply'd
I'll serve you with all my whole heart
My name is John Little, a man of good mettle
Nere doubt me, for I'll play my part

With all his bowmen, which stood in a ring
And were of the Notti[n]gham breed
Brave Stutely comes then, with seven yeomen
And did in this manner proceed

This infant was called John Little - quoth he
Which name shall be changed anon
The words we'll transpose, so where-ever he
goes
His name shall be calld Little John



c) Robin Hood and Little John
Roy Harris, By Sandbank Fields, Topic 12 TS 327, 1977 – Words from Ritson's Robin Hood, tune by Roy Harris.

When Robin Hood was about twenty years old
He happened to meet Little John
A right merry blade and fit for the trade
And he was a gallant young man

Though he was call'd Little, his limbs they were large
And his stature was seven feet high
Wherever he came, they quak'd at his name
For soon he could make them to flie

They happened to meet on a long narrow bridge
And neither of them would give way
Said bold Robin Hood and sturdily stood:
I'll show you right Nottingham play

That talk like a coward - the stranger replied
Well armed with your longbow you stand
You shoot at my breast while I, I protest
Have nought but a staff in my hand?

The name of the coward - said Robin - I scorn
Therefore me longbow I lay by
Now, for thy sake, a staff will I take
The test of the battle to try

Here is a staff, and it's lusty and tough
And here on the bridge we will play
Whoever falls in, the other shall win   
The battle, and so we'll away

Then Robin he gave the stranger a blow   
So hard that it made his bones ring
The stranger he said - This must be repaid
I'll give you as much as you bring

The stranger gave Robin a crack on the crown   
Which caused the blood to appear
And Robin, enrag'd, more fiercely engag'd
And laid on his blows more severe

It's then in a fury the stranger he grew   
And gave him a damnable look
And with it a blow that laid him full low   
And tumbl'd him into the brook

I pray thee, good fellow, where art thou now? -
The stranger in laughter he cry'd
Said bold Robin Hood: Good faith, in the flood
And floting along with the tide

But I must acknowledge thou art a brave soul   
With thee I'll no longer contend
For needs must I say, thou have won the day
Our battle shall be at an end

The sound of his horn through the valley did fly
At which his brave bowmen appear'd
And cloathed in green, all fine to be seen
And up to their master they steer'd

O what is the matter? - said William Stutely
Good master, you're wet to the skin   
No matter –said he- the lad that you see
In fighting he's tumbl'd me in

O, here is me hand - the stranger replied
I'll serve you with all of me heart
My name is John Little, a man of good mettle
Don't doubt me, for I'll play me part

Your name shall be alter'd – said William Stutely
And I will your godfather be
Prepare then a feast, and none of the least   
And we will right merry be

This fellow was called John Little – said he   
Which name shall be changed anon
The words we'll transpose, wherever he goes   
His name shall be call'd Little John   

And so, ever after, as long as he lived
Although he was proper and tall
Yet never the less, the truth to express
Still Little John they did him call

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Artful Codger
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 02:20 PM

open mike, that was exactly the scene (from "O Brother") that occurred to me; hence the song suggestion. And I muffed the title--"Down to the River to Pray". Plenty of threads here about it.

The other watery songs that occur to me are naval, pastoral, amorous or of treachery. The Robin Hood scene reminds me of lumberjacks birling. But I've never heard a song about a birling contest; the closest has been about a log-pulling contest ("Little Brown Bulls").

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Joybell
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 04:59 PM

We're cooking here. I knew there were pathways to follow that I haven't discovered.

Brian, A great piece. Thank you. I've got the Clancys singing Galway Races. If I use it I'll credit you on the program. Come over here for a visit we'll put the play on in the local water gardens. That would be fun.

And thanks Roberto, it's good to have the Little John ballads in one place here.

open mike, I like the troll idea. We have a Swedish retired doctor playing the narrator/wizard. He'd really go for the troll.

One of the really nice things about doing this is that I am using local people who are friends. I can tailor the parts to the actors. Only two of them have acting experience but once behind the spotlights everyone just glows with talent. The little school has just 6 children a good number for the chorus.
I discovered a talent for writing and directing.
The whole town is still talking about our last effort. That was funny all the way. This time I'm going for funny with a touch of sadness at the end. Can't wait to get back to Act 2. Keen to know what's going to happen. Thank you all Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: open mike
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 11:39 PM

what did you do last time? sounds like a great community
where people work and play together!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Joybell
Date: 26 Nov 05 - 12:21 AM

Yes, open mike, it's a small place, way out in South-West Victoria, where there's a mixture of old sheep-farmer families and retired people from Melbourne. Many of the new-comers are English so they know all about Pantomime.
Last time we did "Puss in Boots - A Pantomime". It was my read on the old folktale. Actually I just woke up one morning and it was in my head. I said to True-love, "I'm going to write a Pantomime". He said, "OK count me in". As it took shape the characters took on aspects of the various people who were going to play the parts. I was quite overwhelmed by the way people worked at it. An artist friend made us a pantomime donkey and a carpenter and his daughter played that part. His mates all came to the show and he's now known among them as EE-AW.
Hildebrand played Puss as a smart-ass New York type. I used the character who inherits Puss as the Principle Boy. I had to step into the part of Dame at the last minute - long story. It meant breaking with tradition but it worked. Had no idea I could act. Turns out I can over-act, it seems, and that's what is required of the Dame. We all looked great. I was so excited seeing it come to life. And now here we go again. We'll start on the next play after Christmas. Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Flash Company
Date: 26 Nov 05 - 07:50 AM

Hi Joy, Got to thinking about the soliloquy, It needn't be long,and something like plainsong, perhaps?
On your John the Baptist theme, 'I keep the bridge for one who comes after me' type of thing, (about one four or six line verse), then a dialogue challenge:-
John 'Who comes?'
Robin 'What business is it of yours?'------Leading into the song.

A pretty solid piece of scenery on stage for J to hit 'With my Whack'
might be good.

Wish I could take up your offer, but old age and poverty rather rule it out (joking). Seriously, if I can find time for more travelling, I just might make it to Oz.

Brian Q

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Cluin
Date: 26 Nov 05 - 02:22 PM

"Take Me to the River" by the Talking Heads or The Commitments.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Cluin
Date: 26 Nov 05 - 02:26 PM

Or "Green Leaves" sung by Little John in Silverlock, but you'll have to put a tune to it.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Joybell
Date: 26 Nov 05 - 04:42 PM

Brian, If you do ever make it here there's a place to stay with us. "I keep the bridge for one who comes after me" is great. I think we'll take that route.

Just had an inspiration to add. I might have them strap bells on their knees, after the whacking starts, - Robin: "Stop a minute this reminds me of something. Here put these here bells on your knees." and the whole thing turns into a Morris Dance.
I'm nipping in and out of knock-about comedy.

Cluin, I'll take a look at those ideas. Thanks.

I'm saving "...Went to the river but I couldn't get across
Jumped on your Mamma 'cause I thought she was horse
Roll 'em over coca cola, lemon soda, quart of icecream
Takes soap and water for to make it clean"

for the encounter with Friar Tuck. Might have to replace the word "Mamma". Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Flash Company
Date: 27 Nov 05 - 10:24 AM

Love that Joy, my grandad was a morris dancer. I can't put one foot after the other, which is a bone of contention with Sheila, 'I can't understand it, dancing should be in your blood!'
There is a tune called (I think) Princess Royal which would go well with a sort of ritual staff-fight. I'm pretty sure John Kirkpatrick will have recorded it. My old Gran used to call it 'Yards of pudding and yards of pie'

Brian Q

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Ron Davies
Date: 27 Nov 05 - 10:41 AM

Brian--

Your contribution is just great.

There are so many creative wordsmiths on Mudcat.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Cluin
Date: 27 Nov 05 - 10:45 AM

Splish Splash

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Joybell
Date: 27 Nov 05 - 05:18 PM

Yes indeed I really like Brian's song too. I'll ask my Morris dancer friend about "Yards of pudding..." the title sounds familiar. We've also got "Shepherd's Hey" which has a good Thump! Thump! at the ends of the lines. Good for whacking each other. Done with two men it will be a bit reminiscent of that German slap-each-other-dance, except more dangerous being that they are armed with quarter staffs.
I ruled out "Splish Splash" and "Rubber Ducky". Mainly because Little John is not a strong singer. He has lots of presence and moves well. He could probably manage Brian's song with a bit of help from the Sherrif of Nottingham. (Hildebrand - strong singer and accompaniest) The whole cast will be involved in the telling of the stories. Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Bard Judith
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 12:41 AM

If you are able to incorporate the high energy and lyrics of 'Hal an Tow', it would make a marvelous intro or parting piece.

http://www.emusic.com/album/10593/10593379.html gives you an opportunity to hear Oysterband's great version. Warning - it's a real earworm and you'll be humming it all day!

Relevant lyrics below:

Hal an tow, jolly rumble oh
We were up long before the day oh
To welcome in the summer
To welcome in the may oh
The summer is a-comin' in
And winter's gone away oh

Robin hood and little john
Have both gone to the fair oh
And we will to the merry green wood
To hunt the buck and hare oh

[chorus]

What happened to the spaniard
That made so great a boast oh
They shall eat the feathered goose
And we shall eat the roast oh

[chorus]

The lord and lady bless you
With all their power and might oh
And send their peace upon us
And bring peace by day and night oh

[chorus]

--
Another version

Robin hood and little john
They both are gone to fair o!
And we will go to the merry green-woods
To see what they do there, o!
And for to chase the buck and doe.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Cluin
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 12:55 AM

Robin Williamson's "Water Song".

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Joybell
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 02:53 AM

Have to take a look at that one, Bard Judith. It looks like a good one.

Cluin, we thought about Robin Williamson's Water Song. Hildebrand and I really like it. I'd have Alan a Dale sing it if I did use it. Alan a Dale is a harpist and a great singer - good at those reflective songs. Can't have too many Incredible Band songs I reckon. I'm using "Sleepers Awaken" at the end. Cheers and thanks again, Joy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Snuffy
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 09:06 AM

from The Fiddler's Companion

LUMPS OF PLUM PUDDING [1]. English, Jig (irregular) or Morris Dance Tune (6/8 time). G Major (Bacon‑Bampton & Field Town, Mallinson‑Bledington): A Major (Bacon‑Bledington, Carlin). Standard. AABABAA (Bacon‑Bampton): ABCBCB (Bacon & Mallinson ‑ Bledington, Bacon ‑ Fieldtown): AABBC (Carlin). A major key form of the tune "Lumps of Pudding". Morris dance versions are from the villages of Bampton (Oxfordshire), Bledington (Gloucestershire) and Leafield (AKA ‑ Field Town, Oxfordshire), in England's Cotswolds. A solo jig was danced to the Bleddington version, while words were sung in Bampton:

Lumps of plum pudding and pieces of pie,
Me mother she gave me for telling a lie;
She gave me so much I fear I shall die
From lumps of plum pudding and pieces of pie.

Bacon (The Morris Ring), 1974; pgs. 54, 90 & 164. Carlin (Master Collection), 1984; No. 51, pg. 39. Mallinson (Mally's Cotswold Morris Tunes), 1988, Vol. 2; No. 36, pg. 18. Sharp (Morris Dance Tunes), Set V, pg. 24 and Set IX, pg. 14. Topic TSCD458, John Kirkpatrick - "Plain Capers" (1976/1992)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Flash Company
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 09:18 AM

Snuffy... I think that may be it, Gran used to sing:-

There were yards of pudding and yards of pie,
When I was a girl when you were a boy......

Scans pretty much the same. We are Mid-Cheshire though. Grandad was in Holmes Chapel Morris.
I know a rather rude version too!

FC

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Joybell
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 04:39 PM

Thanks, Snuffy. Mother-love at its extreme. Death by pudding. Robin's Mum has a part in my version of the story. Gives me an idea for maybe going into the song at the end of the Morris Dance.

FC, may we have the rude version please. In the interests of research. Probably can't use it in public. You could wrap it in a brown paper bag before posting.

Thank you both for the background. I always like to get together as much information as possible even about the smallest details. It's a wonder I ever finish anything.

Also thanks Joe for adding all the Robin Hood Ballads at the top here.

Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Flash Company
Date: 29 Nov 05 - 09:49 AM

Joy... My gran used to swear that this was a true story, and as children are the first begetters of folk song, I think I probably believe it.
The incident happened in a Cheshire village called Great Budworth around or just after WW1. Two local girls who both fancied the same fella met on the street one day and got into a real knock down, hair pulling cat fight.
No one was quite sure what to do, there was no village bobby, so someone, obviously an ancestor of our present PM, brought a 'responsible senior member of the community' to sort it out. In this case a Parish Councillor name of Joe Frith.
Far from sorting it out, Joe laughed so much that, as the saying goes, he 'had a little accident!'
The local kids caught on very quickly, hence....

Oh I slapped her face and I walked away,
With a hi for titty fal lal de ay,
I pulled her hair and punched her well.
And Owd Joe Frith he p****d hissel'

I'll get me coat!

Brian Q

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Joybell
Date: 29 Nov 05 - 03:33 PM

Thanks, Brian. If it wasn't so obscure the kids would love it. Especially with the word "titty" in it.
Funny connection though with our last/first show. The hall where we perform is badly designed. There are no performer's toilets. They demolished the ones outside the stage door and we have to go around the hall to the ones at the front. So as not to have our costumes and makeup seen by the audience we went to great lengths to sneak around when they weren't using them. I joked that we should re-name the Pantomime "Piss in Boots". Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Flash Company
Date: 30 Nov 05 - 09:34 AM

Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase 'Fill yer boots!'
I heard of another hall in the south of England where the performers toilets were so near the stage that the sound of flushing could be heard in the auditorium.
Think Shakespeare.... 'I can conjure spirits from the stilly deep!' Whoooosh!!!!
By the way,I was actually at school with a great grandson of Joe Frith, so he, at least, was real.
When does the show go on stage?

Brian Q

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: JennyO
Date: 30 Nov 05 - 09:43 AM

"There is a tide in the affairs of men, that, taken at the flood, leads on to...." Whooooooosh!!!

Hark - do I hear the flush of a distant toilet?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A good song for Little John please
From: Joybell
Date: 02 Dec 05 - 06:23 AM

About the end of April I think Brian. The start of the play is set during May Day celebrations so we'll have it as close as possible to May. Of course here that won't be Spring. Won't be too cold with a bit of luck either though. Cheers, Joy