The Hunting Of The Snark - Royal Albert Hall 1987

In 1987 Mike Batt recorded this concert of the early stage album of his "Snark" project. This is not a film of the eventual 1991 West End show, which was much more fully produced and had many more songs and more story. This early concert starred John Hurt, Roger Daltrey, Justin Hayward, Deniece Williams, Captain Sensible, Julian Lennon, Midge Ure, and Billy Connolly, with Batt conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. Music/lyrics/orchestrations by Mike Batt. Based on the poem (as recited in the narration) written by Lewis Carroll.

[@timfly767]

My goodness, what sheer talent on that stage that night. The critics destroyed the work. Critics are not always right. If a critic heavily criticises a work, it's usually a sure sign I'll thoroughly enjoy it. I happily stumbled across this on KZbin, and I'm loving it all over again.

[@GrilloTheFlightless]

Lotus-eater I feel the same. Some of my favourite albums/shows/movies/books were panned by the critics. There’s that we’ll know saying. “Critics are like the eunuchs in the harem. They’re there every night, they see it done every night but they can’t do it themselves”. As a composition, and as a performance, this is clearly a masterpiece.

[@moodymoosecannon4986]

Critics are all about opinion- theirs!! I refuse to let them choose for me. I love it!!!

[@brakanjan]

Wat a wonderfull piece of music. I have not heard it in all my years.

[@drmoy]

A musical masterpiece that I hope many generations will continue to enjoy. I have watched this dozens of times and cherish it everytime.

[@anthonycroskery3629]

I worked at the Prince Edward theatre when this was on. It was an absolute privilege to be able to watch the production develope. The back projection was well ahead of its time. Thank you Mike for sharing your genius. You're a Joy and above all a Gentleman.

[@Nizzleson]

My Mum loved this production. When she died suddenly a while back, I chose Children of the sky as one of her funeral songs. Today is Mothers Day, and I chose to remember her by listening to The Hunting of the Snark. Doing the dishes, crying like a baby.

[@josnowden4012]

I was just listening to this after having it at as a soundtrack to my youth and now at 46 thinking that would be an amazing funeral song. Now on my funeral playlist!

[@kathrynthomas6138]

Reading your comment today on Mother's day 2024. Lost my Mum, it's the 1st Mother's day without her 💔

[@Liodegrance]

The original broadcast of this was the first time I ever heard it, and I played the tape to death afterwards! Years later my girlfriend got me the studio version on cd for Christmas, and then I married her! Billy Connolly's performance impressed me most - I expected the rest of the cast to be able to sing - so much so that I still find Cliff as the Bellman a little wanting 😂

[@user-cm9lo7mb2i]

I'm Russian and I didn't understand more than half of it. But music and voices of actors are wonderful

[@robinaelliot8588]

Such fun. I wore my video tape of this out years ago, so glad to find it here. Mike Batt - your work is loved 🥰

[@charlesyates4230]

When the orchestra kicks in after Midge Ure's solo 5.07... pure bliss

[@charlesyates4230]

6.07 actually

[@joannagodfree9803]

Totally!

[@olixbob]

27:02 Captain Sensible! Amazing- I flipping love this :D

[@philipmcfedries8424]

Someone lent me a videotape of this in the late 80s when I was really struggling with depression. It was an absolute escape haven more me - probably drove my family mad - I must have played it a hundred plus times! Thanks a MILLION, Mike and crew!

[@direwolfen]

we could be dancing....

[@susawagner9174]

Yes, isn't that odd? It has the same positive effect on me, even though it is not exactly a HAPPY subject. I think it's something in the music... I am not having the greatest of days today, and here I am, always returning to this one.

[@brettlinforth1211]

It had the same effect on me when I discovered it a couple of weeks ago. Mike Batt is a genius and this show is a masterpiece!

[@rogerbyroncollins7204]

l am 75 and now live in Norway, When I lived in Beaconsfield, west of London from the 1960s to the late 1990s evry week I took my wife and two sons every week to see a West End musical and we saw all of Lloyd Webber's and just about every other musical but we all agreed Mike Batt's Hunting of the Snark was by far the best we had ever seen. Mike Batt was our favourite artist and we are all most grateful he posted his Royal Albert Hall production on KZbin. Thank you and ss good today

[@davehutton2962]

Saw this in London - and, as now, it was brilliant. Mike Batt is one of the most underrated musicians in this country.§

[@GrilloTheFlightless]

I’ve been an admirer of Mike Batt’s music since childhood. Even the Womble albums contain such wonderful musicianship and production. But I’ve never seen this in its entirety until today. A truly remarkable work. Thank you a thousand times for posting this.

[@aliciacoduras6140]

I had never seen this musical before. A big surprise. Wonderful work from all angles. Thank you Mike Batt and all the participating artists. A contemporary music which has not enough spread around the world

[@Kelly-rr2vu]

I was lucky enough to grow up listening to Mike Batt's music. First the Wombles and then Watership Down. Had this album on VHS tape and wore it out. Loved every second of it.

[@Slashkamr]

Also did music for a show The Dreamstone... awesome fantasy cartoon

[@cozmo989]

Im 38 and my parents had the CD. My brother had a nice stereo in our bedroom and I used to play this every day and sing all the songs until I knew them by heart. Must have drove everyone mad but 25 years later I still love this one.

[@IrishRay2006]

Billy Connolly shining much brighter here than Cliff Richard does on the recorded version.

[@doris3369]

I was lucky enough to see the musical once in London. A performance I will always remember. And the music is absolutely great! Mike Batt is a genius! Today, you would have to dig quite deep to find someone of his musicianship!

[@fondqardmothominal7581]

I found a recording of The Snark in a pawnshop in 2002. Changed my life. And now I can watch this. Wonderful music, wonderful emotion. Thank you Mike Batt.

[@joachimbohn5462]

Just great! I loved the music from the first moment I heard the CD and I still love it today.

[@lordmuntague]

How on earth did I miss this for so long??!!! A whole bunch of my favourite actors and musicians, topped by the always brilliant Midge Ure! Bliss! 8o)

[@admiralackbar9307]

Yes the very brilliant Midge Ure! :)

[@FionnMarr]

Well that was a glorious hour reliving my childhood. They sure as hell don't make 'em like this anymore. I'll take real creativity and real music over anything CGI and mass produced like it is now. Fantastic!

[@Phil99470]

STILL listening in 2022. Grandkids enjoying it now.

[@mumm380]

Love this and so did my late mother. Have it on CD. Can remember singing along to it, and annoying my brothers

[@marcoaartman5978]

John Hurt: You will softly and suddenly vanish away, and never be met with again... That voice, marvelous

[@direwolfen]

i love the story teller and his coat... il make sure he never dies dude

[@peterforrest3424]

He did.

[@fermintenava5911]

RIP John Hurt: You'll be remembered for many marvellous roles.

[@tonyrivers9363]

John Hurt was a wonderful man, so friendly to work with, RIP Mr Hurt.

[@thomastrottenberg]

So inspiring. So deep. So much fun! The Snark has accompanied me for around 35 years -- with always new interpretations.

[@aquaman22]

Dancing to Disaster performed by the amazing Deniece Williams was simply amazing!!!

[@AbdulKarimMelodica]

In Africa , this would be one considered the most great musical extravaganza ever. I love the 'Hunting of the Snark' ...... you have done it perfect !

[@catusa2012]

I got the Record in 1990 from a friend, i immediately fell in love with it - with the record, not with the friend ;-) Few Years ago I bought the little book and today, 31 years after I got the record, I found this here.. could life be better? Mr Mike Batt, can you not go on tour with it again? Please!!! My biggest thank you for sharing it, I am so impressed.

[@BlueJazzBoyNZ]

This exposition IS a Jewel Thank you Mike

[@katehippolite8274]

Goodbye John Hurt. What an actor and fantastic presence. I heard the news earlier this evening, and it reminded me of this concert which I had a video tape of from a screening in 1987.

[@geoffroberts3506]

I was at the launch party for the sound track when it was first released in 1986 and met a few of the cast. (I worked at Tower Records at the time). This is the first time I've seen the show, Fantastic!! Anyone that is into stage shows should be told about it.

[@curaeus007]

Wonderful piece of musical theatre.

[@sharingjam]

Can't believe this is available on online. I just recently bought this through ebay - 'cause my family loved the musical. For years we had repeated viewings of our VHS tape (which was taped from TV)... to the point that it was broken. For years I tried to find it but it was always unavailable in Australia. I was 8 when I first watched this... and it had a real impact on my life. (I studied drama/theatre) MUCH LOVE to all involved! Thank you for some of my best childhood memories!

[@peccanuss326]

Oh Julian

[@alandavies234]

I watched this when it first appeared on TV and loved it ever since. I just heard the word "thrice" and it brought it all back. So I looked for it again and "behold" there it was. A great piece of musical entertainment.

[@mck5050]

I remember watching this on TV (back in the 80's) and playing the DVD until it could play no more. Now an adult, I have always remembered, "Children Of The Sky" and "The Hunting of the Snark". I am so glad I found this on KZbin.

[@michaelandjomarchant1032]

i absolutely love this production! i have lost count just how many times i have played this! thanks Mike Batt and the very talented production team and the actors

[@admiralackbar9307]

I remember this over the school holidays in 1987, I was overjoyed Midge Ure was in it being a massive Ultravox fan, it turned out to be much better then I could imagine, the music was great! a very special moment in my life, nothing has ever come close to how good the eighties where.

[@CW5XKnex]

I listened to this a lot in the car on a cassette tape when I was young. Watching this brought back so many memories and I still knew how most of the tunes went after about 10 years. Never acrtually saw this version though so it was even better discovering it.

[@VanessaHape]

Great work Mike Batt and friends. Lots of fun to watch, but also very very musical. Mike is so talented and everyone seemed to really get into it. Big thanks from me.

[@vishmonster]

My father in law bought me a record of this, me and my best friend used to listen to it and jump up and down on my parents bed. Good times man.

[@deadlightsgirl]

This is beyond wonderful! I've loved this for years, but never thought I would actually get more than the CD. THANK YOU.

[@timfly767]

John Hurt clearly having a wonderful time as the narrator.

[@brendaweisel6958]

Ich sehe meinen Vater als er im Wohnzimmer sass und es hoerte ... so laut ... er musste es lieben ... ich sass im 1.Stock und hoerte mit ... love this and my father too

[@hugotesta703]

Mike Batt is very talented, I certainly love this especially being backed by The London Symphony Orchestra.

[@olivier1uk]

I saw the whole show with Kenny Everett and absolutely loved it!

[@olivier1uk]

I love the bakers song... Even after all these years it's my favourite!

[@fermintenava5911]

This is truly one extra-ordinaire experience - a combination of unique artists, brought together through one grand composition and one intriguing poem. I probably would have never gotten to know these musicians if it weren't for this. I'm so glad to know it and will continue to listen to the concept album, too. Just a giant thank you for all of this!

[@frankt4833]

Yes another thing I missed seeing live

[@jacquelinecarty8579]

Very enjoyable

[@Bondoz007]

I had this CD for years in the late 80s and 90s. Thrilled to listen to it again!

[@GandalfDerGraue69]

Knowing the album since ages, it was one of my first LP records (vinyl) that I've bought, I already own the CD and of course the LP. But I have to admit, seeing the musicians and you, Mike, made it even more interesting to me. I can just say it with with an cite: "Thank you for the music". And thank you for giving us a chance to enjoy it.

[@alclarke]

Midnight Smoke is heartbreakingly gorgeous

[@zephyr755]

Julian Lennon at 16:32 sounds like a young John! That whole sequence - "The Escapade," is brilliant. Justin Hayward at 17:09 and Deniece Lewis at 18:21, beautiful vocals. Great show, revived in London this summer.

[@vogelfrau2425]

Who is the man in the lila suit? The speaker. Julian Lennon as a baker. Funny man.

[@zephyr755]

@@vogelfrau2425 the narrator is the great actor John Hurt (known for the title role in _The Elephant Man_)

[@vogelfrau2425]

@@zephyr755 Thank you

[@oskarostermann4734]

Waaaaw..... Great piece of art and gorgeous performance ! When the orchestra takes off for the main themes it still gives me shivers after more than 30 years knowing it. Mike is a great musician. And good to see and hear "The voice" John Hurt again.

[@docgonzales]

A meat pie to end a hunger strike wouldnt be as tasty as Midge Ures guitar solo at 5:00

[@njones420]

THANKS MIKE!! I have had this on VHS since it was first on TV (when I was 7) and must have watched it 500 times, one of my favorites ever. Searched for it now and again on youtube, but glad it's finally available...Singing along with gusto! Would love to see you do a reunion show !

[@njones420]

I've done a little work restoring this vid, and upscaling this to 1080p. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ27gXZ3opqhftk

[@njones420]

in face, I enjoyed it so much I did a HD upscale and restoration of the video 8 years later, it's on my channel :)

[@ericamackey4124]

I remember seeing this on TV as a child...loved it then...and when this global phenomenon called the internet came and KZbin...decided to check it out ....and to my delight...here it is once again!! It truly is a masterpiece to Mike Batts credit! The cast is brilliant...and John Hurt as narrator...just awesome!

[@charlotteparker619]

This is great! John Hurt is perfect for it.

[@BanquetNZ]

this was a simulcast in NZ on TV and radio - awesome stuff. Mike Batt helped me to further explore prog rock of the 70s and 80s

[@Timmydope]

WOAH flashback to my child hood.... thank you parents for culturing me well in music!

[@scottharper7408]

I heard this album about 10 years ago and it blew me away and still does to this day John hurt and sir John and then there is the master Stephane grepelli Mike batt sir you are a genius and thank you much love your loving snark

[@user-vi5vq6jf5p]

Justin is a wanderful actor

[@jeanglendinning1860]

I remember taping this in the 1980s when it was shown on tv and mourned its loss when everything went dvd so Im thrilled to find it on here

[@davidlmarshall]

hard to imagine that this was 30 years ago ..still fantastic and wish i'd seen a live version in Australia.

[@Rhymemaker]

I have loved this from the moment I saw it back in '87 and love it to this day. It introduced me to Carroll in a way my schooling had not and I'm a Rhymemaker as a result. Thank you Mike, you've a lot to answer for...lol.

[@Dianaemanuel]

I remember seeing the show in the West End. Great fun. Always thought it was a truly original piece of work that deserved a longer run.

[@alanfleming-baird8288]

I saw this too - it was a really great show when it was in the West End, I wish it had run longer - I saw it on the last day, and I couldn't believe it wasn't getting a longer run :-(

[@janeinnes9633]

Absolutely sublime. I will luv this masterpiece of music and nonsense poetry for ever. Thanku Mike Batt. You are a genius.

[@mexico53ify]

So excited. Have never seen this or the stage show but loved the cassette tape version! Always on high rotation in my car for long trips.

[@stellacharlton7246]

Saw this at the State Theatre in Sydney in the early 1990"s -sensational show and here in 2017 and a lot older, I still love it. Mike Batt is a genius. XX

[@saintwcf]

sweet suite,

[@bernhardkaiser9567]

really cool stuff! The starting song is so haunting!!

[@sandropfister9138]

Best entertainment ever! Much much more than simply music for relaxing. Not a an ennoying second! Love it!

[@amysouquet1252]

Absolutely AWESOME. Thank you sooooo much for uploading this. I have not heard it for probably over 25 years, and yet while watching it I found I could still sing along word for word. The Hunting of the Snark for some reason remains a huge part of the childhood I remember =)

[@102firefly]

I would like to share my memories of this wonderful show, as after watching this beautifully nostalgic trip back in time, it brought so many fabulous memories flooding back. The critics panned this back in 1991 when it was shown in the West End ... however, you only have to watch the audience reaction at the end to see how very, very wrong critics can be! Unfortunately, the majority of the British public followed the critics like sheep and stayed away in their droves. Their loss! Sadly, the lack of bums on seats probably helped spell the end and the show danced towards disaster. I was extremely lucky to have seen the final night's show with Kenny Everett - just a few years prior to his sad and untimely demise too. I have played the CD over and over, ever since but not all the songs from the show are on it. If only I could get the extra ones, my life would be complete! Other posters have mentioned Mike Batt's extraordinary talents and although he did inflict the Wombles on us, he also enriched our lives with beautiful music, which, if you haven't discovered yet, do yourself a favour and search out his albums and singles. Thank you from the heart of my bottom!

[@sjcuk7]

Search for Whatever You Believe, this was a Batt song that he included in the stage show. What a stunning show, one of the best I've ever seen. There's an appearance by the West End cast on Children In Need 1991 that's on DailyMotion singing Whatever.

[@ingridtheresia5626]

Absolutely wonderful xxxx

[@ianxn]

One of my favourite musicals of all time. Wish the full production was available, but there's plenty here to entertain me. Thanks!

[@aprildawn7119]

Thank you so much or putting this up. I saw this on TV when I was I was in my twenties, I am over 50 now. I LOVE it, it seems to be an 1980 twist on Gilbert and sullivan. Join in and have a good singalong.(even if you dont have a good singing voice) Wonderful, enjoy!

[@johnmitchell1167]

cheers for adding this film. magic :-) Have been singing tunes in the shower for years

[@ChiefChief6868]

thank you😃

[@WhatsACreel]

That was excellent! Been listening to this since I was knee high to a grasshopper, sooo cool to see it performed :) Mike Batt, you're a legend mate!!

[@djordan812]

Sssooooo sad that I am only now discovering this work of enchantment some 24 years after it was presented to me via an eMail note .... I was too damned smart & too smug to Hear it & simply enjoy Enjoying now

[@Zoya-ot1wr]

Love it!!! great memories. reminds me of my dad❤️

[@stationplaza4631]

Although I've have heard of the title Hunting of The Snark, mentioned years ago I have to confess that I never heard it...until now. Really enjoyed it so far, and very much looking forward to hearing it all in full once I get the time....Love Mike's music.

[@ingridtheresia5626]

Amazing. I love it 💞

[@julieharrell2585]

Well done indeed, if only I had seen it before now. Beautiful!

[@j.f.e.flegel6672]

I really love this Piece!!! So many memories are connectet to this Music. Thank you for uploading :)

[@Slashkamr]

this was shown on ABC TV in Australia many moons ago... 1st time I've seen the full concert since then!

[@wanderingseth]

Thank you for posting this!! I bought the official DVD and it was faulty.

[@jensscholz]

After years of just some bits and pieces here and there i can see this performance for the first time completely. Thank you so much!

[@TheSykobanana]

Thankyou Mike! We watched this as kids in Oz - and ran the Beta tape into the ground on the video player and then thinned the cassette tape (with Cliff instead of Billy) out in nearly as short a time. We found an mp3 copy about 8/9 years ago, but had lost hope in seeing the concert And thankyou for getting John Hurt (everything he touches/speaks turns to sweet liquid gold) D (Cheers Wes for finding this )

[@djordan812]

especially for Winnie, who May stumble upon this site (?) .... I now know What the snark is. ... WHO the snark is [soft smile with tears]... Only took me 65 years to figure it out

[@lisa0j]

Awesome. I loved this In 1987 and bought the cassette, so glad it's the full version so I get to enjoy again.

[@briankutscher7903]

I sure wish I could purchase this on a Region 0 or 1 DVD. This has long been a favorite of mine, but I had to watch it on a PAL VHS videotape copy.

[@stephenlao197]

Thank you so much for posting. I had a CD version for a long time and wanted to see this.

[@merledoughty5787]

I have a very poorly recorded copy of this done years ago wow I would just love to have this on DVD, it was such apart of my childrens growing and I still enjoy the Hunting of the Snark, just brilliant thanks fot the post.

[@matthewgoodman8178]

Merle Doughty This has a DVD with the album of the 1987 concert in london www.amazon.co.uk/Hunting-Snark-Mike-Batt-Archive/dp/B0043D24BI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1438714357&sr=8-3&keywords=hunting+of+the+snark

[@matthewgoodman8178]

Merle Doughty This has a DVD with the album of the 1987 concert in london www.amazon.co.uk/Hunting-Snark-Mike-Batt-Archive/dp/B0043D24BI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1438714357&sr=8-3&keywords=hunting+of+the+snark

[@njones420]

8 years late 🤣Here's an upscaled 1080p version kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ27gXZ3opqhftk

[@Qjimbo]

Amazing orchestration, balancing and writing for all those instruments isn't easy! Love the variety of styles too, particularly the jazz influenced Snooker Song. Really is an impressive project. I really love Mike's soundtrack to The Dreamstone, which is how I discovered this, I wonder if any footage of the recording of that project exists...

[@Harr123]

Snooker Song's a catchy number alright, although it's strange to listen to it without hearing a chant of "Big Break!" at the end of the chorus, know what I mean ;)

[@miklosroth1560]

Sensational!

[@katej5911]

Juuustin!!!!! He's wonderful!!! LOL!

[@JoelGalilee]

I love this, so glad it's online :)

[@JoelGalilee]

Plus JOHN HURT :O Absolutely brilliant project.

[@telay.channel]

My boyfriend really loves this and sing it again and again😂