Neil Brand's score to the Laurel and Hardy comedy You’re Darn Tootin' has been given three performances by the Stane Street Sinfonietta, heralding a return to live concerts by the Sussex-based chamber orchestra under their conductor, Steve Dummer.
You're Darn Tootin' is a 1928 film by the iconic duo and sees Stan and Ollie as members of a municipal band, struggling to follow their unpredictable conductor's lead. Jettisoned from the band the out-of-work instrumentalists take to performing their music in the street. However, a series of disagreements results in utter chaos throughout the neighbourhood, culminating in the famous pant-ripping scene!
Brand's 20-minute accompaniment is scored for a band of 10 musicians (clarinet, five brass, ukulele/banjo, piano, bass and drums). It was originally premiered at the 2005 Bristol Slapstick Festival following a commission from comedian, Paul Merton.
Neil Brand joined the orchestra on the platform to introduce the three shows from St Mary's Church, Horsham.