At The Drop of Another Hippopotamus

18th January 2025 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm)

Kirkgate Centre

Bob Pritchard and Mike Amescelebrate the comic genius of Flanders and Swann.

Michael Flanders and Donald Swann enjoyed huge success in the late 50’s and early 60’s with two shows they referred to as “a farrago” : “At the Drop of a Hat”, and “At the Drop of Another Hat”. Many of the songs from those shows are instantly recognizable and, remarkably, appeal to all age-groups 60 years later.

Bob and Mike first performed together in a barber-shop quartet 35 years ago, but only recently discovered they share a life-long admiration for all things Flanders and Swann. Mike is much in demand locally as a jazz pianist and Musical Director. Bob was one of the founding members of CADS and later Director of Arts Out West. He sings with Dave Camlin’s “Wild Chorus.”

Following a well-received performance at Cockermouth Live! Festival last July, Bob and Mike now present a full evening of Flanders’ fabulous wordplay and Swann’s endlessly inventive musicality. The Hippopotamus will be there, of course, as will the Gnu, the Sloth, the Spider and the Whale. But we won’t spend all our time in the zoo. There are slow trains and a somewhat faster bus; there are cannibals and fly-tippers. songs of protest and ballads of unrequited love.

All proceeds from this evening’s performance will be divided between the Kirkgate Centre and Bridget’s Magical Music Pot, which provides bursaries for developing the talents of young musicians in the area.