I have been watching the terrible images of the recent speight of flooding in the UK. If it's any consolation the weather hasn't been too good here either. Perhaps I can take your mind off things and cheer you up a little? Well I can but try.

After moving to France, I was persuaded to join the local Gilbert & Sullivan Society (Not Gilbert O'Sullivan of the flat cap variety - but operetta!) Yes you heard right - but don't stop reading! It's not as stuffy as even I had imagined. In fact it turned out to be great fun.

Don’t let my mother on the stage Mr Sullivan

Don’t let my mother on the stage Mr Sullivan,
Don’t let her on the stage.
Don’t let my mother on the stage Mr Sullivan,
She’s at that funny age!

Don’t let my mother have a part Mr Sullivan,
Don’t let her have a part.
She won’t recall the words to say,
Nor learn them off by heart.

Don’t let my mother sing Mr Sullivan,
Don’t let my mother sing.
She’s really not so tuneful,
It’s really not her thing!

Don’t let my mother dance Mr Sullivan,
Don’t let my mother dance.
She doesn’t have the rhythm,
It’s more a kind of prance!

Don’t let my mother on the stage Mr Sullivan,
Don’t let her on the stage.
She will not be directed,
She’s at that funny age!

Why don’t we call a truce Mr Sullivan?
Why don’t we call a truce?
We know she’s not much use Mr Sullivan,
Why don’t we call a truce?

So let her gently down Mr Sullivan,
So let her gently down.
Although she’s quite the clown Mr Sullivan,
Please let her gently down.

©Marian Barker

Wench Costume