Comics lead kazoo record attempt

Miranda Hart, Jenny Éclair and Stephen Mangan are to take part in an attempt to break the world record for the largest kazoo orchestra ever.

They will join the BBC Concert Orchestra, around 50 celebrities and the entire audience of London’s Royal Albert Hall for the record attempt, in aid of Comic Relief.

The ensemble will buzz their way through classics including the Dambusters March and Ride Of The Valkyries in an attempt to get into the Guinness World Record book that will be broadcast on Radio 3.

Hart said: ‘It's fantastic how many people are taking part in this brilliant fundraising event. It's going to be a real spectacle. I just need to work out what a kazoo actually is, and then work out how to play it. It's fun even saying “kazoo” so I can't wait.’

Éclair added: ‘Thousands of kazoos in the Royal Albert Hall... if that isn't funny I don't know what is.'

In the run-up to the event, an online tutorial starring Katie Derham and Basil Brush alongside kazoo band Masters Of The Kazooniverse will be available on the BBC website.

The kazoo extravaganza forms the finale of and evening that mixes classical music with comedy performances from Tim Vine and Marcus Brigstocke. Sue Perkins, winner of BBC Two series Maestro will also be raising her baton to conduct the BBC Concert Orchestra, all to raise money for Comic Relief.

The event will take place on March 14, and be broadcast on Radio 3 on Friday March 18 – Red Nose Day –  at 7pm.

Published: 28 Jan 2011