The Radio 1 DJ Greg James and his side-kick Chris Smith brought their own brand of madcap humour to Hay Festival as they delved into the superhero world of Kid Normal.
James, who was named as the new host of Rado 1’s prime-time Breakfast Show earlier this week, pulled out all the stops with live improvisation, where audience participation was the order of the day.
Throwing himself into multiple personae with the help of Newsbeat’s Chris Smith and Dave Cribb providing musical accompaniment, the team fired the imagination of the youngsters.
James said, “Everyone can write a story, and to work with friends and develop it is great fun.”
To prove the point, and with the help of the audience, the duo invented and acted out the story of an evil baddy (ably played by a volunteer parent) who was bent on a mission to steal all the artisan cheese from Hay.
Fortunately he was thwarted in his dastardly plan by a group of children who took on the role of superheroes including “Bum-Boom” (don’t ask), and Deep-Pan Boy (pizza creation powers).
Ending the show on a flight of fancy, James sang his recently penned number, “I saw a dog on a high-chair,” to the tune of The Beatles classic Eleanor Rigby.
Pictured from left to right: Dave Cribb, Greg James and Chris Smith.
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