by John Glover
click here for cast list

Episode 32: "Let The SideShow Begin" - (May 18th 1998 8.00-11.00pm)

Fiona Morgan had breezed into The Skaters Run just as the Karaoke was getting under way. Considering the four pints that Yaxley had already quaffed in the previous hour, the roof of his mouth remained remarkably tongue-free. He was lucid, articulate and let's face it, drunk. "Fiona. Brilliant. Hello. Me and you are gonna do a duet, Yeah ?" This reminded Fiona of the students bar at College. She had spent three years avoiding the advances of berks who were 'advanced in their cups'. They mostly sat around stroking the bum fluff on their chins talking about Jack Kerouac, James Joyce and books they hadn't read, to other people who also hadn't read them. She had left York University at the age of twenty four with a degree in English Literature and now at the age of twenty eight had somehow ended up working in a glorified burger bar at the side of the road. Fiona accepted Yaxley's offer of a drink and decided on a pint of stout. It was a new variety Johnny Swift had just taken delivery of; a genuine Irish stout called "McAdams", brewed in Wisbech.

Yaxley and Fiona took a seat in the corner next to Brian and Hummer just as Jak Jackson's girlfriend, Fleur, finished singing 'Rhiannon'. She gave a broad smile as applause rippled round the pub and a few whistles split the air. Jak picked up the microphone and began his obviously well worn introduction. "Brilliant that girl. Done us proud with that version. Always gets us off to a good start does my Fleur". He fiddled about with the microphone lead and moved the stand up and down a bit for no apparent reason like all good amateur roadies and continued. "Now then. Who's first up. It's all for fun. Just come and have a look at my list". After a lot of nudging and whispering among the reluctant singers a long haired youth stepped forward. "Ahah" said Jak, "Our first contestant. New to the village I think. What's your name son ?" The lad nervously played with his glasses and leaned forward to the microphone. "Er..er...Mick Brawdmore. My mates reckon I do a good 'Fanfare for the Common Man". Jak gave him a curious look and said, "Hang on mate, that's an instrumental. This is a Karaoke night". From the back of the pub, one of the boys friends shouted out "Let'im do it. You just watch 'im". Jak gave in, found a tape of the song and set it up. He had a quick word with the youth and introduced him. "Right. Bit of an oddball request but here we go. This is young Mick Brawdmore with 'Fanfare for the Common Man'.

For the next six minutes Mick played 'air keyboards' like the Tasmanian Wolf Devil. Using approximately six (invisible) synthesisers he threw himself around the corner of the pub until the sweat dripped off the end of his nose. During a particularly twiddley bit, his face contorted in concentration and he stared at the ceiling for inspiration. During this 'air masterclass' Hummer and Clunch sat open mouthed. The Skaters Run had never witnessed the like before, and hopefully, never would again.

Mick Brawdmore sat down as the applause of his friends in the corner rang around the bar. Next up, was Su Parsons...

The prologue - Episode One -  Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 -  Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7 -  Episode 8 -  Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 11- Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - Episode 15 - Episode 16 - Episode 17 - Episode 18 - Episode 19 - Episode 20 - Episode 21 - Episode 22 -  Episode 23 - Episode 24 -  Episode 25 - Episode 26 -  Episode 27 - Episode 28 - Episode 29 - Episode 30 - Episode 31 - Episode 33 - Cast List and Episode Index

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