Whilst the title and these names may have given the impression that the Festivities had engaged a set of fun-loving orchestral musicians, this was in fact a long way from reality as the group has no bond with concert orchestras. But, adorned in biz
arre plumage, human and animal costume and backed up by imaginative music and rhythm, they do have a passionate desire to link hilarious – sometimes blue – comedy with the colourful musical tradition of many countries.
Mike's introductory claim, "we're bringing you eclectic cacophony and international pandemonium", seemed to become ever more relevant as the band acted out a series of riotous musical pastiches of Ireland, Italy, Spain, West Indies, Germany, Russia and America, frequently changing garb and swapping a huge range of instruments, from trumpet, violin, guitar and double bass, to harmonica, saw, suitcase, washboard, sousaphone and watering-can – even fake W.C.! To no great surprise, Elvis Presley, Luciano Pavarotti and infamous historical scenes were targeted to weird effect – play school was now combining with Monty Python humour as manic musical visions of the Spanish Inquisition, The Pope and Adolf Hitler were presented to St. John's!
Inevitably, the animated audience was invited to participate with a series of expansive hand-waves and gestures and, on occasion, members were hoisted onto the stage to play a part in some of the more crazy numbers – one being adorned with a wildly eccentric calypso outfit, at the same time responding suitably to that uninhibited show of theatrical eccentricity and musical improvisation surrounding him!
John Wheatley
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