Illustration © James Mayhew
Listen to Banana Blush
Jim Parker receiving a bow with Zeb Soanes, Carole Boyd and Andrew Earis at the 2017 performance of Jim’s fully restored Banana Blush score at St Martin in the Fields.
In 1974 John Betjeman, the Poet Laureate, became an unlikely pop star, recording his verse to music by Jim Parker for the album Banana Blush. It became a cult classic, treasured by many musicians including Jarvis Cocker and ‘Suggs’ from Madness.
In this special performance, celebrating 60 years of the Malmesbury Civic Trust, of which Betjeman was founding President — Zeb Soanes (Classic FM) will perform Betjeman’s much loved verse, accompanied by the dazzling virtuosity of the Chris Warner Ensemble, transporting the audience from 20’s cocktail party to village bandstand in a hour of toe-tapping delight.
Jim Parker’s music will be instantly familiar from countless memorable TV series: House of Cards, Foyles War, The House of Elliot, Mapp and Lucia and Midsomer Murders. He won the BAFTA for Best Original Television Music four times.
This performance will be dedicated to Jim, who sadly died in July.
Banana Blush Jim Parker (arr. Chris Warner)
Zeb Soanes Reciter
with the Chris Warner Ensemble
TICKETS: £22 (General Seating), £25 (Reserved, front 5 rows)
