This little nugget of purest green was sent in by Susan; THANKS SUSAN.
Source: Daily Mail (via Susan)
When Rowan Atkinson went “over the top” as Captain Blackadder in the World War I version of his TV series, most people thought it was the end of his brilliant comic creation.
But I hear the actor will be re-enacting life in the trenches one more time next month in aid of injured soldiers. Atkinson is one of many celebrities taking part in Music On Fire!, the festival of orchestral fireworks at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
As ever, it is organised by Sir Michael Parker, the pyrotechnic genius behind most of the great anniversaries of recent years.
“It will look as if we are blowing Sandhurst to pieces, so I hope the Commandant is in a good mood,” says Sir Michael.
Joanna Lumley, Peter Bowles and Timothy West are among the stars he has recruited while singers including Hayley Westenra and Jonathan Ansell will perform with a 100-piece orchestra.
Adds Sir Michael: “Rowan has agreed to read some earthy soldiers’ poems from the First World War. But life in the trenches was pretty earthy.”
With four tons of fireworks going off over three nights, it will be the summer’s most eye-catching event outside Beijing. The cost of each £29 ticket will go to the Army Benevolent Fund.
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About Music on Fire:
MUSIC ON FIRE!, the UK’s most stunning outdoor spectacular, returns with a new production of live popular and classical music, interspersed with a thrilling firework display and a magical Son et Lumiere. Celebrating James Bond and the centenary of his creator Ian Fleming, former Sandhurst Officer Cadet, world class artists perform with a 100-piece orchestra and a 100-voice choir in true 007 style! Special guest performers include acclaimed classical singers Jonathan Ansell & Hayley Westenra, as well as Theatreland’s first Supergroup Teatro (*Saturday night only). The many well known voices narrating the show include Rowan Atkinson, Peter Bowles, Hannah Gordon, Joanna Lumley, Sir Trevor McDonald, Prunella Scales and Timothy West. The Red Devils, the parachute display team of the Parachute Regiment and The Black Knights, the parachute display team of the Royal Artillery, will make a breathtaking night-time drop.
This unmissable event is held in the impressive setting of The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and guests are invited to picnic on the lawn in front of the Old College as they enjoy the show. Gates open from 4pm.
The event is designed and produced by Major Sir Michael Parker, the man behind the Golden Jubilee celebrations outside Buckingham Palace. All proceeds will go to the Army Benevolent Fund which supports soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need. Money raised will be used for Veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan and any future campaigns.
“I thought it was the most wonderful evening – I shall never forget it” Honor Blackman
“Make no mistake, this is not just fireworks with music. What is so extraordinary about Music on Fire is the perfect synchronicity between the two: the fireworks effectively become an instrument in the orchestra, exploding to the beat with rhythmic perfection, to create a visual and musical effect the like of which I have never seen.” Rowan Atkinson
Music on Fire will be held at Sandhurst Military Academy on 18,19,20th September 2008 – for ticket information call 0844 847 1657 or 0871 297 0077
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At the moment, I do not know if Rowan will be in costume for the poetry reading, I will try and find out though.