The Hunting of the Snark

How I did not know about this work for such a long time is a mystery but having found it through a Moody Blues fan page on Facebook I can say without a doubt it is a brilliant performance. The Hunting of the Snark has always been a favorite of mine and its translation to the stage is inspired. There is a wonderful orchestra that blends rock instruments with traditional ones, catchy and haunting songs, lovely performances by the cast, a fantastic narration and dynamic conducting and singing by Mike Batt. Billy Connolly, Julian Lennon, Justin Hayward, Roger Daltrey, Deniece Williams, John Hurt, Captain Sensible, Midge Ure and Mike Batt make up a special cast that captures the spirit of the poem and performs the musical numbers with gusto and perfection. I have watched it now three times in three days and continue to be enthralled with every note and word. I would love to have this on DVD but am content to watch it in its entirety on YouTube. Much recommended and loved.

Mike Batt's Hunting Of The Snark is a brilliant piece of work and this version which was performed for charity has Justin Hayward in the role of the "butcher" and Billy Connolly as the "bellman". I saw this when it was televised many years ago now,and I can't believe it's never come out on video or DVD, I'm just glad I taped it at the time although the copy I have is rather the worse for wear now. The Hunting of The Snark is a nonsense poem by Lewis Carroll which has been turned into an operetta by Mike Batt, The Albert Hall was used for the venue and the rest of the cast included Julian Lenon, Dennise Williams, Roger Daltry, Midge Ure and Captain Sensible.

We watched this concert version of the Hunting of the Snark on TV, and wish we had taped it. The music is very singable and the lyrics effortlessly capture the essence of the poem.

I remember it, 20 years later, as being a very colourful event and have been looking for a recording of it for a long time.

The haunting "Children of the Sky" sets the scene beautifully. The ensemble song "The Escapade" is full of puns and introduces each of the cast members. "The Pig Must Die" will resonate with anyone annoyed by bureaucracy! "A Delicate Combination" is musically very interesting, and nicely sets up the touching "Beaver's Lesson" of the poem. All in all, a fantastic show - I also can't believe it's never come out on DVD. I think it's time to start a petition!

We also taped the "The Hunting of the Snark" and it is a little the worse for wear, but much loved. We have watched it often with our children (and now our grandchildren) and would love to see a copy released on DVD or Video.

Why is it that some of the best family entertainment rarely gets good distribution? The songs are fun, catchy and, at times haunting. Well worth sharing with a wider audience!

We saw the Australian concert version when it was performed to a packed house many years ago and it is still a stand-out memory. We too can't understand why it has never been released. We'll all willingly sign a petition.