"Have some Madeira M'Dear" by Flanders and Swann

First, it's important to choose your prey carefully, you need to find a filly who is susceptible to your charms, who hasn't heard the patter before. Somebody who seems lonely or miserable is a good choice - any experienced, well-balanced gel will see through you in a brace of shakes. You need somebody who will feel flattered and excited by your attention, especially after a glass or three of fortified wine. Treat 'em gently, wait until they're off their guard before you pounce.

What am I thinking of, giving away all my secrets?

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Madeira
• M'Dear
• Flanders
• Swann
• poem
• poetry
• reading

[JFJontheprowl]

I really don't like to leave a negative comment, but I must apologise before saying that my favourite feature of Flanders and Swann songs, and especially this song in particular, is the cheeky, mischievous manner in which Flanders sings. It saddens me to say that this interpretation, though valid, really missed the beautiful quality of this wonderful song.

[SpokenVerse]

@JFJontheprowl It's not an imitation of Flanders and Swann. It's an alternative blacker version. If you want a cheeky, michievous interpretation then listen to the original.

[colt45crying]

Hi, could you tell me who reads this version please?

[SpokenVerse]

@colt45crying Me, Tom O'Bedlam - I read everything in this channel. I hope you'll listen to a few more.

[ramenuet]

I love it. And I think this reading is hilarious, in a mock-sinister manner.

[SpokenVerse]

Thanks, Old Boy, it's always nice to meet a kindred spirit. There's life in the old dog yet, and I'm not quite ready to hang up me spurs. There's nothing like few glasses of a sweet, heady wine to lubricate the rites of passage, in my long experience. Keep your end up!

[TheMimifur]

This makes it seem like TS Eliot.

[colt45crying]

@SpokenVerse

Thank you :) It sounds so different read like this, I really like it

[mzee279]

Candy is dandy but liquor is quicker!

Mzee

[cristinafb]

Dear Tom:

I'm from Madeira and had never read or heard of this extraordinary poem before!

I thank you so much and would gladly send you a bottle of "dear old" Madeira wine to celebrate the New Year!

I'll most certainly drink and make a toast on your behalf. Cheers, m'dear!

cristina

[billbcn1]

I love how you read this! Great voice, quintessentially English!

I'm going to use it with my high level British poetry class here in Barcelona. Thanks for posting it

[amalfil]

Just come across this which I found very funny and beautifully read. Congrats.