We have celebrated Britain throughout March with ‘Takeover Tuesdays’ and on this last Friday of the month it seems appropriate to feature a British performance. There are of course no small number of fabulous artists to choose from in any number of musical genres. From rock bands, to pop singers to sensational stars of the stage and screen, to overwhelming opera and classical performances and everything in-between –it’s an almost impossible choice. But for me it was quite simple.

“Send In the Clowns” was written by Stephen Sondheim for the 1973 musical A Little Night Music. Judi Dench first performed the role of Desirée in the London revival in 1995 at the National Theatre, winning the Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical.

However, it was actually her performance of the song at the 2010 BBC Proms, while far from being a traditional version, is brilliant, moving and easily my favourite version.

Take a moment to sit back and enjoy a truly memorable performance.

Lyrics

Isn’t it rich?
Are we a pair?
Me here at last on the ground
You in mid-air
Send in the clowns

Isn’t it bliss?
Don’t you approve?
One who keeps tearing around
One who can’t move
Where are the clowns?
Send in the clowns

Just when I stopped
Opening doors
Finally knowing the one that I wanted was yours
Making my entrance again with my usual flair
Sure of my lines
No one is there

Don’t you love a farce?
My fault, I fear
I thought that you’d want what I want
Sorry my dear
But where are the clowns?
Send in the clowns
Don’t bother
They’re here

Isn’t it rich?
Isn’t it queer?
Losing my timing this late
In my career
Where are the clowns?
There ought to be clowns
Well, maybe next year

Songwriters: Sondheim Stephen