And then to November, with practices being taken over by development and rehearsal of this year’s chosen Bunfight spot – an interpretation of the opening of the Austin Powers films, with a range of 60s dances being done behind a colourfully suited Austin Powers (Mike Myers) to the tune ‘Soul Bossa Nova’, an instantly recognisable instrumental tune. The first dilemma was who would play the part of Austin Powers? – and as one, we turned to look at Mark. The theme for the actual Bunfight was ‘Bunfight on the High Seas’, so we had a wide variety of nautically themed outfits, including inevitably lots of pirates. Fools Gambit however excelled themselves by coming as the entire cast of Peter Pan, with some ingenious outfits, not least Will as Peter’s (Mark’s) shadow. The band this year, as last year, was the excellent Steamchicken, with Nick Walden calling once again as only he can (marvellously). In the first interval, we performed our sword dance dressed as pirates – a second appearance at the Bunfight for the dance, the first being in 2003 when it was the main spot. Then after the Irish bingo (ably called by Jerry) and more dancing it was the Austin Powers dance. And amazingly, and not at all because Nick told them to, the audience clamoured for it to be done again. Which we (not very reluctantly) did. Overall another great night, leaving us as usual wondering how we can top it next year. No idea, but we’ll have fun trying…
