Court Jester

[River]

Found the following in the "Brief News" items in the local paper in Nelson, New Zealand.

Headline: Court jester sought

English Heritage, guardian of various historic sites in Britain, is advertising for someone to be the nation's first court jester since 1649. An ad appearing in The Times laid out the qualifications: "Must be mirthful and prepared to work summer weekends in 2005. Must have own outfit (with bells). Bladder on stick provided if required." The court jester's position died along with King Charles 1, who was executed by Oliver Cromell's supporters in 1649.

River

[Butterfly Man]

River,
The job sounds perfect for me ... I am a direct descendent of Lord Nelson (Duke of Bronte) who won the Battle of Trafalgar.

Also, since you (and Jango) were so much of the initial resurgence of street performing I would relish the opportunity between gigs to commiserate on writing a book about street performing with you.

How many weekends is the gig and the specific time frame?

P.S. hmmm ... however, we might have a problem with the "mirthful" part.

[Mr.Taxi Trix]

cnn.... http://64.4.26.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=f96e0857140155d91dfbe9df67946325&lat=1091737526&hm___action=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2eemailthis%2eclickab ility%2ecom%2fet%2femailThis%3fclickMap%3dviewThis %26etMailToID%3d1456441622

[Peter Voice]

It seems this job is causing some consternation amongst the British Jesting community. Seems the ad was placed on Thurs. with auditions today (Sunday) only a couple of days later and most good Jesters have bookings (according to Jonathon).
This issue has taken on international significance with a major story in the Melbourne (Aust) sunday newspapers. They even published a pic of the afore-mentioned Jonathon the Jester.
See http://theage.com.au/articles/2004/08/07/1091732142123.html?oneclick=true

[Mr.Taxi Trix]

Originally posted by Butterfly Man
How many weekends is the gig and the specific time frame?



I think the gig is for life, Robert, so they might be looking for a three-week contract, in your case.

[Peter Voice]

Hasn't Robert only got one bell?

[Butterfly Man]

Ding-a-ling ... (donk) ... shit !

[martin ewen]

Someone clear rumples breathing passages, hose him down, reglue his nose, and we have a new winner.
Thursday announcement, sunday audition, sounds like an inhouse arrangement doesn't it.

[Peter Voice]

Robert, have you got your own bladder on a stick? It may be an asset.