This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/magazine/5319478.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
What are encores for? What are encores for?
(20 minutes later)
WHO, WHAT, WHY? The Magazine answers...WHO, WHAT, WHY? The Magazine answers...
How to keep the crowd happy?His aides want Tony Blair to leave Downing Street with the crowds baying for more. Their leaked memo says he should be "the star who won't even play a last encore". But what is a curtain call for?How to keep the crowd happy?His aides want Tony Blair to leave Downing Street with the crowds baying for more. Their leaked memo says he should be "the star who won't even play a last encore". But what is a curtain call for?
In the performance of politics, the prime minister could take note from the performing arts on how to whip the crowd into a frenzy before bowing out on a high.In the performance of politics, the prime minister could take note from the performing arts on how to whip the crowd into a frenzy before bowing out on a high.
The encore is the final hurrah at the end of a performance, the best saved for last, the party piece to send the audience home with a warm glow and happy memories. It offers a chance for a performer to say thanks for the support, and has been a fixture on the live circuit through the years - with few exceptions.The encore is the final hurrah at the end of a performance, the best saved for last, the party piece to send the audience home with a warm glow and happy memories. It offers a chance for a performer to say thanks for the support, and has been a fixture on the live circuit through the years - with few exceptions.
WHO, WHAT, WHY? A regular feature in the BBC News Magazine - aiming to answer some of the questions behind the headlines The famously taciturn Van Morrison has been known to skip an encore, leaving the house lights up and the crowd expectant. David Bowie, in his show-stopping 1974 Diamond Dogs tour, broke with the convention of the time by doing no encore.WHO, WHAT, WHY? A regular feature in the BBC News Magazine - aiming to answer some of the questions behind the headlines The famously taciturn Van Morrison has been known to skip an encore, leaving the house lights up and the crowd expectant. David Bowie, in his show-stopping 1974 Diamond Dogs tour, broke with the convention of the time by doing no encore.
Even the BBC Philharmonic sticks to what's on the programme, ending the Proms finale on Land of Hope and Glory, with the conductor often teasing the audience that they've not been vocal enough to deserve to hear the show-stopper.Even the BBC Philharmonic sticks to what's on the programme, ending the Proms finale on Land of Hope and Glory, with the conductor often teasing the audience that they've not been vocal enough to deserve to hear the show-stopper.
Choreographed exitChoreographed exit
But most artists oblige, from the Rolling Stones ripping through Satisfaction at the end of their London set to Bob Dylan wheeling out two hits at the end of each gig. With his fondness for rock music, it's little wonder that the prime minister might be set to emulate such luminaries (albeit with appearances on Blue Peter and Songs of Praise rather than bestriding Twickenham stadium).But most artists oblige, from the Rolling Stones ripping through Satisfaction at the end of their London set to Bob Dylan wheeling out two hits at the end of each gig. With his fondness for rock music, it's little wonder that the prime minister might be set to emulate such luminaries (albeit with appearances on Blue Peter and Songs of Praise rather than bestriding Twickenham stadium).
Van Morrison can cut it shortSome never can say goodbye.Van Morrison can cut it shortSome never can say goodbye.
Just as Margaret Thatcher declared she wanted to "go on and on and on", only to make a tearful exit from Downing St, Frank Sinatra staged two decades of so-called farewell tours after officially retiring in 1971. Naming a date for departure obviously doesn't guarantee it to be set in stone.Just as Margaret Thatcher declared she wanted to "go on and on and on", only to make a tearful exit from Downing St, Frank Sinatra staged two decades of so-called farewell tours after officially retiring in 1971. Naming a date for departure obviously doesn't guarantee it to be set in stone.
In the theatre, it is curtain calls that allow the cast to linger in the limelight. Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer make pantomime out of a long-overdue exit.In the theatre, it is curtain calls that allow the cast to linger in the limelight. Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer make pantomime out of a long-overdue exit.
Geoff Colman, head of acting at the Central School of Speech and Drama, recalls how actor and dancer Lindsey Kemp choreographed his ostentatious final bows with flowers deliberately thrown on to the stage and blaring Puccini arias. For if the latter acts of a Franco Zeffirelli-directed opera were ill-rehearsed compared with the first three, he would orchestrate a spectacular exit in tribute to the fans.Geoff Colman, head of acting at the Central School of Speech and Drama, recalls how actor and dancer Lindsey Kemp choreographed his ostentatious final bows with flowers deliberately thrown on to the stage and blaring Puccini arias. For if the latter acts of a Franco Zeffirelli-directed opera were ill-rehearsed compared with the first three, he would orchestrate a spectacular exit in tribute to the fans.
More! More!In the wake of a downturn in public opinion in the latter stages of his premiership, it's an approach that Mr Blair might like to consider.More! More!In the wake of a downturn in public opinion in the latter stages of his premiership, it's an approach that Mr Blair might like to consider.
But when it comes to stars "who won't even play that last encore" - as the leaked memo suggests Mr Blair should do - look no further than the Sex Pistols for inspiration.But when it comes to stars "who won't even play that last encore" - as the leaked memo suggests Mr Blair should do - look no further than the Sex Pistols for inspiration.
Early in 1978, during the short-lived band's last gig on their American tour, a disillusioned Johnny Rotten asked the crowd: "Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" and marched off stage. Never one to be accused of out-staying his welcome, he announced the break-up of the band three days later.Early in 1978, during the short-lived band's last gig on their American tour, a disillusioned Johnny Rotten asked the crowd: "Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" and marched off stage. Never one to be accused of out-staying his welcome, he announced the break-up of the band three days later.


Add your comments on this story, using the form below.Add your comments on this story, using the form below.
It seems to be a delusion with some 'top'people that they think we can't get along without them. The truth is that they can't get along without us.David, East Grinstead It seems to be a delusion with some 'top' people that they think we can't get along without them. The truth is that they can't get along without us.David, East Grinstead
Instead of an eight month swansong, can't we just boo him offstage now?Duncan, Coventry, EnglandInstead of an eight month swansong, can't we just boo him offstage now?Duncan, Coventry, England
Will Tony Blair's encore be to finally find those weapons of mass destruction?Laurence James, GlasgowWill Tony Blair's encore be to finally find those weapons of mass destruction?Laurence James, Glasgow
If the goal is to leave us wanting more, Tony Blair should have gone before the last general election.Deborah, Oxford, UKIf the goal is to leave us wanting more, Tony Blair should have gone before the last general election.Deborah, Oxford, UK
Whenever he does go, I am looking forward to seeing what his tea-mug has on it.Andrew Barrett, Salisbury
Name
Name