Illustration © James Mayhew
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 very special 50th anniversary performance, 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 — telling the story of this unique collaboration along the way.
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.
Jim sadly died in July 2023. This performance, attended by his family, will raise funds for Awards for Young Musicians.
Our venue is the magnificent Great Chamber at London’s Charterhouse; the only Tudor great chamber to survive in London — and host to decades of royal plotting and intrigue. John Betjeman knew it well, living just across the road in Cloth Fair — making it the perfect location for this joyous celebration of his poetry.
Banana Blush Jim Parker (arr. Chris Warner)
Zeb Soanes Reciter
The Chris Warner Ensemble
TICKETS:
£25 — General Seating
£35 — Premium Seating (first four rows)
Wine and non-alcoholic refreshments will be available.
Listen to Banana Blush
Jim Parker receiving a bow with Zeb Soanes, Carole Boyd and Andrew Earis at the 2017 performance of Jim’s specially restored Banana Blush score at St Martin in the Fields.
Supporting Awards for Young Musicians
