This week’s tune comes from a childhood favourite of mine: the 1966 musical, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

It’s one of those films that would always end up being put on during dull Sundays by my Dad to liven things up a little bit.

If you haven’t seen it, I can’t recommend it highly enough.  It has all the risqué elements of a Carry On film together with brilliant songs by Steven Sondheim.

The cast features some absolutely brilliant acting taklent, from Zero Mostel and Jack Gilford, reprising his Broadway role as the cheating slave, Pseudolus and his foil, Hysterium.

Phil Silvers is on fine form as the flesh peddler next door, Michael Hordern is fantastic as the put upon husband and Buster Keaton makes his final feature film appearance, aged 70.  He had terminal cancer during filming but still did most of his own stunts.

Leon Greene is unforgettable as the Roman Captain, Miles Gloriosus and the cast is rounded out by great performances from Michael Crawford, Roy Kinnear, Patricia Jessel (amazing as Domina – living up to her name brilliantly) and others.

There’s even a cameo from John Pertwee, who’d go on to be Doctor Who a few years later.

So, here’s the opening number:

and, as a bonus, I’ve included my favourite song from the film, Leon Greene’s magnificent entrance.

Hope you enjoyed it. If you did, check out last week’s Monday Music, and maybe the one before that and so on.

Monday Music 13 – 2017

Thanks for reading, I haven’t forgotten the A-Z thing. I’ll be back with P very soon.

Richard