'GORDON'S ALIVE?'
Yes, following some really rather heavy, deep and downright tedious posts (I've clearly watched way too much Jerry Springer in my life), I thought I'd take time out of the challenge theme and present the first in what might be a series, if I can be bothered, of homages to some of my favourite celebs.
Those who know me well will know that I'm a very keen celeb spotter - one of the many advantages of living in London is the sheer plethora of celebs ranging from A-list all the way down to Richard Blackwood. And I'm pretty darn good at it too - not quite in the Katie Walker league, but none too shabby. Whilst it's always very exciting indeed to see a top-notch celeb, of the Hollywood variety, I find it equally, nay, more exciting to see spot some more home-spun, less affected celebs. I remember Jam calling me once from the Ivy to say he was sitting near Hugh Grant (bothered), Gail from Coronation Street (v excited about this one...did you know that in real life she doens't have any children?!) and Su Pollard! Su Bloody Pollard - now that's my sort of celebrity.
So, today's post is a very brief homage to the great actor of stage and screen, Mr Brian Blessed. I say, great actor of stage and screen, however besides the might Flash Gordon, does anyone know of anything Brian Blessed has been in? Not that it matters of course, for his performance in Flash Gordon, as the bizarrely winged 'Prince Vultan'. Look here he is:
But of course, he's most famous for his big booming voice, which he now utilises to great effect in various voiceovers, but which he employed in Flash Gordon most splendidly, and most notably in the unforgettable line 'DIIIIIIIIIIIIVE' when he was ordering his hawkmen to attack. If you've never heard it, it is a joy to behold, so I thoroughly recommend a spot of You Tubing to hear it for yourself. Actually, no, in the spirit of cooperation, let me provide you with the link here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxaVxF1D0XM
Brian Blessed in Flash Gordon is one of those limited number of impressions that all men hold in their repertoire (along with Bruce Forsyth and Sean Connery). Personally, I often randomly and in quite inappropriate places, find myself uttering the word 'DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE' just for the japes. Such an occasion occurred on Thursday. I can think of no trigger which led to this, just the sudden urge, whilst sitting at my desk reading a tedious contract, to throw in a quick Brian Blessed impression. So enjoyable was it, that I took the decision to declare Friday 'International Talk Like Brian Blessed Day', something I announced on both facebook and twitter. And what a day we had in the Macmillan office. My wonderful team embraced this celebration from the off and big booming requests for coffee and tea could be heard resounding round the office. One member of my team now appears to be stuck permanently and can't seem to be able to speak normally anymore. All in all it was a marvellous day, although we learnt that there are many situations, particularly sensitive ones, where speaking in a Brian Blessed voice is less than appropriate - bu hey, every day's a learning day.
And if you can't get enough of Big Brian's Big Boom, you can now get a Tom Tom satnav featuring The Blessed's voice - how cool is that 'TURN LEFT IMPETUOUS BOY'
Brian Blessed, star of Flash Gordon and...erm....erm...probably lots of other things, we salute you.
I saw him in panto once... somewhere at the bottom of some dusty drawer I have his autograph!
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