Stephen Fry reads a letter about a deplorable incident at the BBC Proms

in 1977, the BBC's music controller Robert Ponsonby was very unimpressed by the behaviour of an audience member at the Royal Albert Hall, during the BBC Proms. Ponsonby wrote a letter to the Hall's General Manager Mr Anthony Charlton.
Here's Stephen Fry reading the letter, at Letters Live's debut show at the Royal Albert Hall, back in 2019.
Letters Live is back at the Royal Albert Hall with another top-secret star-studded line-up on October 30th. Limited tickets available, in support of the
National Literacy Trust: royalalberthall.com/tickets/e...

[@bodan1196]

"It was done quickly. But it was done." Such unbridled hilarity, delivered with perfection.

[@leelinden4963]

"It was done quickly. But it was done." Translation: "I left it for too long in the microwave running on High"?

[@robertmacdonaldbespokekilt3063]

also the name of my sex tape....

[@super_siri]

My very favorite line by far.

[@BarnDoorProductions]

"If it were done, when 'twere done, 'twere well it were done quickly." Some dead Englishman, about 1600.

[@tweegeTX3]

As an English person, I can’t stop hearing the phrase “It was done quickly, but it WAS done.”

[@skyllalafey]

If I could listen to Stephen Fry read me passages of Terry Pratchett's works, I would practically float away on a cloud of perfect contentment.

[@jessamynrising3990]

Love a good Pratchett. You might enjoy Stephen Fry reading Douglas Adams' "The Restaurant At The End of the Universe" (sequel to Hitchhiker's Guide.) Fry's rendition on the audiobook once made me pull the car over to the side of the road because I was laughing too hard to drive safely. 😂

[@wfcoaker1398]

I would listen to Steven read a phone book.

[@susangamble6038]

Oh yes ... but I also think Brian Blessed would voice Death perfectly!!!!!!

[@nijnij3988]

Where is it available? I've only been able to find part 1 of HHGTTG read by Stephen Fry. The other 4 parts are generally read by Martin Freeman (who doesn't do a bad job, but he's no Stephen Fry)

[@eiloen]

@@jessamynrising3990 oh wow, this is going on my list! Thank you!

[@Susan-mw2mq]

Stephen Fry could read almost anything and hold me spellbound. It's marvelous to see him looking so fit and healthy. Such a mensch.

[@euripidiesupman9755]

Agree! He could read the phone book and make it exciting.

[@davidsandz2186]

Obviously you are entitled to your opinions...as am I.. and I find him unbearable.

[@isn0t42]

Thankfully, there is no urgent necessity for you to carry him around.

[@vrhetinst]

@@isn0t42 😂👍 Great comeback! Why take the time to comment on a video you dislike? It’s never made any sense to me.

[@isn0t42]

@@vrhetinst well, it's fun. That part is easy.

[@PotentiallyAndy]

Only Stephen Fry and Rowan Atkinson can say “bottom” quite like that

[@l.mcmanus3983]

🤣 Oh you are right! I can hear it perfectly in my head without even trying.

[@humphrey4976]

So true 😂

[@SavageGreywolf]

I love how Stephen is making the guy sound even stodgier than he probably already was and that he's clearly doing it on purpose.

[@capt.bart.roberts4975]

No, I'm pretty sure he was that "stodgy"!

[@Myzelfa]

As Jimmy Carr once told Stephen, "I know you think you're doing a voice but that is how you talk."

[@eddominates]

He's just making him sound like Stephen Fry

[@mooniejohnson]

As an American, I can categorically confirm that "mooning" is quite in vogue when we go to the theater. You can hardly get through a Broadway show without a sea of bottoms! "Sea of Bottoms," by the way, would make an excellent band name.

[@jackryan3487]

This man is a national treasure.

[@lyndellrobinson3611]

Indeed. An international treasure, I'd say. ❤😊❤

[@mariannegeraud6318]

Stephen fry is just so marvelous!! How scandalised he sounds😱

[@EricWBurton]

Something tells me that if I were to ever get to meet Stephen Fry and shake his hand, I would never stop smiling after that.

[@super_siri]

Same

[@rosieedge9208]

I used to work with Robert Ponsonby at the Musicians Benevolent Fund. He was a lovely man and a total gent.

[@I_Don_t_want_a_handle]

@@BuJammy ... and typical of Fry's hypocrisy. He claims his philosophy is one of consideration, and then mocks someone for pointing out the failure of the staff to stop people interrupting the enjoyment of others. There are codes of behaviour at these events and listening in silence is one of them. This should not need pointing out at a music event ...

[@Moondog-wc4vm]

@@KurtFrederiksen You clearly understand nuanced humour in it's proper context. I fear that this may be a skill being lost by the populace in general due to ill conceived memes perpetrated by fanatical activists focused more on appeasement than general growth of social maturity. Maturity is a natural process rather than a shortcut enforced by penalties and other shaming practices. I would hazard a guess that more mature future generations will look at our time in history as shameful not for the bigotry or snobbery that exists, but for the bullying tactics of fanatics in trying to restrict that kind of thought. I'm fairly sure that those more mature individuals will have achieved that status through understanding, education and a deep knowledge of history, rather than being forced to 'toe the party line' with increasingly dicatorial edicts from both lawmakers and vocal idiots with no more understanding of the structure of society than amoebas.

[@regularsizeruss3874]

@@Moondog-wc4vm Ditto!

[@beth-eileenwalker8579]

How I adore the talent and true voice that is Stephen Fry. We miss you and hope to see you return to more of our screens, TV or Movies soon.

[@lancer525]

I love how he just dripped with disdain throughout the entire thing...

[@sjinzaar]

never has the word "bottom" been said with such gravitas...

[@Northernfire]

One of the greatest voices ........ Love this man

[@halcroj]

I was acting in musicals during the 1990s and 2000s and every cast in the West End of London was aware that there was a couple who would book a box and "go the whole hog" during the performance. Make "the beast with two backs". When they were spotted the attention of the whole cast would drift from the show we were performing to trying to catch a glimpse of what was going on. No one informed the Front of House staff to stop it. It was much to much fun trying to spot a naked body in the box!

[@St.Linguini_of_Pesto]

"..the beast with two backs"? @Halcro Johnston wow, you must've had to blow a thick layer off that old phrase.. it's been a long time since I've heard it.

[@oliviasayshi7517]

Imagine the money they money of had...

[@mountain3301]

@@St.Linguini_of_Pesto ah, such vulgar phrases for the "amorous congress"

[@SpeckleKen]

@@mountain3301 I don't tend to think of Shakespeare as "vulgar"! (It is Othello Act 1 Scene 1.)

[@llchapman1234]

I've just discovered this channel. Letters Live, where have you been my whole life? Oh, the hilarity of a great deadpan reading 😆

[@annettefournier9655]

So wonderful that Stephen is well these days. Only wish him the best and a level. Manageable mind.

[@hartless76]

As an American who is completely in love with all things British I found this hilarious! Shame on that scandalous young woman! What a "cheeky" thing to do! 🤣 He expressed his righteous indignation in in a fashion that you Brits have perfected into a work of art. Bravo ♥🇬🇧♥ A wonderful performance! 👏🏻👍🏻💖

[@ConversationBomb]

I'm also an American and completely laughed out loud when he suggested it was "an American moonlighting". Stephen Fry's performances whether comedy or dramatic always leave me spellbound and consummately entertained. He is an international treasure and I will fight anyone who says otherwise. :D

[@Moondog-wc4vm]

@@ConversationBomb I respectfully decline to initiate hostilities with you sir.

[@leelinden4963]

An expat Brit in the US writes: At last, an American who not only understands the meaning of, but can make a play upon, the word "cheeky"! My next great quest will be to find an American who describes the behavior in Box 28 as "dodgy," or who at least doesn't have to make me explain it as The Old Country's synonym for "iffy."

[@BrandonAzzarella]

@@leelinden4963 So what you're saying is you want the least dodgy usage of dodgy, something that usually goes over American heads?

[@kamalalsb7292]

oh no the Teaboos are here

[@pityparty9955]

Any performance of Mr Fry is wonderful.

[@erikarneberg11]

I would be quite content to hear Stephen Fry read the list of ingredients on a packet of crisps!

[@jlb9368]

A lesson in diction and elocution - thank you!

[@rileysdad1923]

Agreed! And your letter was wonderful!

[@kholdanstaalstorm6881]

Why haven't I seen this brilliant video before? It's a gem of a story that's immaculately performed by someone with marvelous control of the English language! Stephen Fry are a gift to anyone remotely interested in English and humor from the British Isles! Thank you to each and every one having part in bringing this clip forwards, you have my gratitude and this channel have my sub without a doubt!

[@veganleigh4817]

Stephen Fry is such a joy to listen to.

[@roberto8650]

“It was done quickly, but it was done.”

[@DERAMNONA]

I could listen to him read the most boring of subjects and still be laughing. I even bought audio books i didn't want , nor particularly liked , just because Stephen Fry was reading it and loved every minute. Mans a national treasure ❤

[@Heideroosje]

I’m from the Netherlands and I love Stephen Fry for a long time now. How good looking is he reading this letter! Has he lost weight? Anyway, with or without his kilo’s’, for me he is such a remarkable man❣️

[@johanhendriks]

Doesn't he have cancer? that usually helps with the weight loss.

[@germansnowman]

@@johanhendriks This clip is two years old.

[@philipocallaghan]

Baaaaaa!

[@loraineriddell7157]

What a voice. What an actor.

[@MirlitronOne]

I so wish I'd been there - and also to hear Mr Fry read this letter some years later.

[@hobistinyheartbag]

My life goal is writing a really good novel or a storybook that is fantastic enough for Stephen Fry to voice act as an audiobook 🥺

[@SirFlopsy]

Dream big they say. I truly wish you will accomplish this goal and hope that if you ever do, you will have seen this comment and remember it and do me the kindness of notifying me of your accomplishment. I would love to listen to it if it ever happens.

[@bruce8443]

This is behaviour up with which we should not put.

[@tomellis4750]

And my binoculars were too steamed up to see properly.

[@LordMondegrene]

"... the woman... may have been American." One can only hope...

[@hayleyannamathieson7261]

Steven Fry. I adore him! 🤗❤

[@chrissiem3958]

'.... have at it!' What a finish 😂😂😂

[@loreena.plstne]

He's the best 😊 I love him❤

[@judyveness7581]

wonderful send-up by Stephen Fry - he is a treasure.

[@EmpyrionBlackthorn]

This man is truly a treasure

[@EdParnell]

Can we clone Stephen Fry so we can all have one?

[@AnjaHuebel1]

No, he is one of a kind.

[@user-im7uh5nl6t]

"Moonlighting" made me feel like a kid being asked "What that you play? War of Worldcrafts?"

[@BillHalliwell]

G'day LL, Pish Tosh to the pound's exchange rate with the AUD, I'd gladly pay for a box, or a seat, or standing room to see and hear Stephen Fry read his latest shopping list! What a talent, what an intellect and a top notch entertainer too, among many other attributes. I've been catching up on some of Stephen's early TV drama/comedy films and it doesn't matter a jot that some are a little dated, Stephen's talents seem to lift the performance of any ensemble cast in these low-budget, high value productions. Many of them are here on KZbin so, a blanket search for 'Stephen Fry' will lead one to a treasure trove of Mr Fry's work. Well worth the effort. The tale of the RAF POWs incarcerated by a collection of hopeless Nazi types is an extremely well done lark in the spirit of 'The (not so) Great Escape'. Take care, Stephen Fry, stay as well and as happy as you look. Cheers, BH Hobart, Tasmania

[@chomlee]

I enjoyed your comment. It is a testament that in today's world some of us can ignore the attention grabbers and quite simply enjoy the voice of a wonderful person. We all have some connection with Stephen, private or activist. From an Oz in NZ.

[@BillHalliwell]

@chomlee G'day Chomlee, Thank you for your kind comment. There's something else I admire Stephen for and that is we had similar beginnings. Not that I would ever compare my life to his; far from it. Like Stephen I 'accidentally' found myself in a (much smaller) version of public life while I was a part-time contributing writer on film for a semi-national newspaper, The Age, in Melbourne. I was offered a full-time post, with a grading, and then, to my surprise, was asked by ABC local radio to do small, regular film spots. Then other radio stations also asked me to make appearances. I checked with my Managing Editor and he said, "Go for it." So, I ended up with two regular 'jobs', one unpaid, of course, but there it was. Through mere chance, a producer's spot came up at another radio outlet, for a tiny fee. So, I got to broadcast, which I really enjoyed and work behind the scenes while holding down my day job. I look back and wonder, now, how I managed it. Also, like Stephen, I had spent a brief period in prison. This never bothered The Age or anyone else I worked for, or knew. It takes a certain amount of strength to get into a tiny part of the 'public eye' with one's past being there for anyone to attack, if they so desired. That's where similarities between Stephen and I end; apart from the fact I've had a couple of books published. I've never done TV because I don't like the medium. I have, however, had minor roles in three feature films. I truly, admire Stephen's courage to launch himself from a minor to a major public presence, in a tough media town like London, given his past and the 'daily' opportunity to be mercilessly attacked. Stephen's huge, genuine intellect plus his natural leaning toward fair play allow him to talk openly about his past, his sexuality (when that was not a given) and his life in general that makes him a special person indeed. I can never fathom his few detractors because Stephen, as far as I know, has never used his position to wilfully offend, damage or attack anyone in an unwarranted fashion. Perhaps it's a deep-seated, hostile kind of envy. Whatever it might be; I don't care and I hazard a guess that Stephen doesn’t either. Thank you for speaking against his detractors. Cheers and all the best from a 'dingo' married to a Kiwi. :) Bill H.

[@dickreckard5026]

I bet with some detective work you could figure out who was in that box.

[@artofsam]

Poor guy, he just wanted a nice civilized evening. I can sympathize with that.

[@nepdisc3722]

Stephen Fry is a treasure

[@christopherevans5045]

God, I love Stephen Fry.

[@maryhoward2491]

I could listen to Stephen Fry reading the telephone directory and it would be heavenly

[@the_grand_tourer]

I am listening to Stephen I promise ... but, I am also staring at the logo in awe, it really is a work of genius, almost to the great hight's of our national treasure Mr Fry.

[@thomasbyg4795]

Very well represented!!!...I must say!

[@markorollo.]

Don't know if I'm alone in this but I suddenly feel like Stephen could play a really good Winston Churchill.

[@antonyfrost2541]

Absolutely

[@dianedevery3711]

💕🤭Stephen sounding even more British than usual

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

His efforts as a narrator has made me learn Greek mythology a lot easier than me trying read and interpret it myself

[@eadweard.]

This is the kind of letter I would write

[@userSchlonsch]

Stephen Fry and Rowan Atkinson should do a stand up routine together. Just imagine a classic Atkinson set narrated by Stephen Fry

[@kikidevine694]

​@hickory_longbow33423quite possibly not

[@KentuckyBrad]

Check out Blackadder season 4

[@zango3134]

I remember when he was the voice in little big planet 😭

[@josh2Sides2]

Love the little ad-lib at the end very... Mr Fry 😂

[@annettefournier9655]

Stephen Fry could read the warranty book for my blender and have me enthralled.❤

[@inezgraer5482]

Always an absolute pleasure!!

[@nozrep]

brilliant! masterful! from a brilliant master himself!

[@proudpatriot8946]

HOWDY FROM TEXAS....LOVE THIS MAN....ENJOYED THIS READING LOL

[@khymaaren]

The amount of people unable to read the description is staggering.

[@TheMogregory]

Khy Maaren - I just noticed that the more vituperative of those with poor comprehension skills have deleted their comments. The penny must finally have dropped. Well done.

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

As an American, I'll concede she probably was, indeed, one of ours.

[@KokkiePiet]

"I know you think you are doing a voice Stephan, but this is how you speak!"

[@DeGoosey]

I wonder how many people got this reference!

[@GypsyPirate]

I can't shake the feeling that Stephen is channeling Mr. Grainger from "Are You Being Served?"

[@mortalclown3812]

As an American, I'll gladly be hoisted upon the honorable Mr. Fry's petard; it's not unbelievable to think the damsel in question was 'one of ours'. In that vein, do I also extend sincere apologies for the unfortunate events of that night. Oh...and a bravo for such a loquacious reckoning.

[@douglasherron7534]

Unless you are male that is most unlikely to happen...

[@douglasherron7534]

@@mortalclown3812 Or just giving way to a fantasy.... X-P

[@VidkunQL]

@@douglasherron7534 Neither of you knows what a petard actually is.

[@douglasherron7534]

@@VidkunQL Wrong. However, you obviously don't know what a play on words / sexual innuendo is...

[@KaritKtana]

An American damsel continuing the tradition of rebellion against British sensibilities 😂

[@billywaide9852]

Stephen is the only member of the left,who has a sense of humour.never seen him in a show that he did not enhance.

[@garethyoung2931]

I don't know if it is deliberate, but this is very reminiscent of the great Gerard Hofnung.

[@seanmccann8368]

"Bottom" very definitely enunciated with the skill of the 'Town Clerk of Walmington-on-Sea' from "Dad's Army" saying "F-f-fleshings!"🤣🤣

[@stechriswillgil3686]

A little bit of Peter Cook ( ref The Secret Policeman’s Ball ) going on here !

[@282828lisa]

Well said!

[@capt.bart.roberts4975]

I've used the boxes at T'Albert 'All, in 1977, not us, we were more rock'n'roll but we liked comfort! I only lived about 400yds from there.

[@greyalien295]

Simply marvelous

[@cleemar]

I am listening to him narrate Sherlock Holmes on Audible..his voice is joy

[@aliciarobertson4979]

Oh yes, listening to his narrations of the Sherlock Holmes books has been a joy for me too!

[@flannerymonaghan-morris4825]

God, Stephen has GREAT Comic timing! I wish he had done more stand up.

[@aresdiemartis4175]

I am loving this channel 😁😁😁

[@superowl91]

can't wait for the book version of Letters Live.

[@alun7006]

The book you're looking for is Letters Of Note. Utterly brilliant.

[@flannerymonaghan-morris4825]

This just sounds like something straight out of a Wes Anderson movie!

[@svenjahnich7010]

That's why I love Stephen

[@kaylaireland3494]

Oh Stephen how I love you.

[@kantraxoikol6914]

you LOOK GREAT Mr. Fry!!!!! and sound as good as ever :)

[@JR-xo5jp]

I could listen to Fry read shampoo bottles !

[@padstowphantom]

It must have been Cybil Shepherd is she was “Moonlighting” 😂😂😂 Sorry. I will see myself out.

[@user-hg2ih8hf7x]

Good one!😂👍

[@user-ij4hp5nn6g]

Everyone loves Stephen Fry

[@LilithsOwn303]

Unfortunately not a friend of mine finds him arrogant and contemptuous, but I guess that's just because she doesn't understand the fine art of speaking English. I personally really love him!

[@user-ij4hp5nn6g]

@@BuJammy What's your definition of stupid? kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYCcd3mogdWcpLM

[@vesper9547]

Love this man.

[@juanignaciocaino]

"the young woman may have been american" I cracked up.

[@richardchurch9709]

Wonderful, but surely it's 'mooning' not 'moonlighting'?

[@alun7006]

Yes. That's why it's funny.

[@bradleymayberry9060]

It's not Moonlighting....that's something different.

[@allenjenkins7947]

Mooning, I believe.

[@alun7006]

THAT'S WHY IT'S FUNNY.

[@meredithclan6789]

I would love to meet this man...but then they say you should never meet your hero’s

[@Moamanly]

Nor apostrophise them!!

[@isaacschmitt4803]

I don't know why, but I was picturing a Vogon writing that.

[@user-on6xl8cu9t]

Love, Letters Live.

[@bernardputersznit64]

Have at It - Now we turn forward and allow the SUN to shine from our cheekly exposed pelvises

[@damianleah6744]

Stop it stop it! Oh you have. 😂👍🏻👏

[@brianlam1663]

Oh my Gawd!! How GHASTLY for the BBC !!!

[@carabiner7999]

2:29 Apparently, he'd missed the streakers at football games! This was '77, for crying out loud. Bloody Hell, I was ten and knew about them. I live in the States now, and the bit about her apparently being American had me on the floor!

[@markog1999]

Oh to have been in box 28 that night

[@daniadejonghe4980]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@sazfretz1945]

He could read the flipping phone book and make it funny.

[@vdavis4785]

Perhaps the programme should not have included "Moon River" and the "Moonlight Sonata."

[@bigtam462]

Sounding like churchill at times 😂

[@angelcena759]

Isn't it 'mooning' --not 'moonlighting'?

[@BertGrink]

It is indeed, but I am strongly inclined to believe that the letter´s author actually wrote "moonlighting".

[@PUAlum]

it is. But somehow that added to the reading...

[@angelcena759]

@@PUAlum Sure! Helps you to picture what kind of person the sender is

[@lyndavonkanel8603]

Yes, the audience got mooned.

[@ImranMt.]

Oh, yes! This is A good one.