A few days ago I mentioned Gerard Hoffnung in passing during a post about recent travels. It seems many of my readers have never heard of him – not surprising, perhaps, considering that he died tragically young. Nevertheless, he was a much-loved humorist and musician in England during the 1950’s.
He’s perhaps best remembered for his speech to the Oxford Union in 1958, during which he introduced a comedy sketch that’s since become world-famous: ‘The Bricklayer’s Lament’. It’s been copied and plagiarized by many artists and entertainers, but I much prefer the original. Here it is. (To hear Hoffnung’s entire Oxford Union address – which I highly recommend – click here. Be warned, however, that it’s almost half an hour in length.)
I sometimes wonder how Gerard Hoffnung might have influenced both comedy and music if he’d been spared to live to a ripe old age. If you’d like copies of what little of his work has survived, you’ll find details at the official Web site established by his widow.
Peter
LOL, that is hilarious! Thanks!
I first heard that on WCLV radio in Cleveland Ohio on their Saturday Night show when I was a young man in high school.
Hilarious.
Geoff
Who notes Mythbusters (TM) did it with poor Buster!