Echoes of a comic genius (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Echoes of a comic genius

TOM Lehrer delighted millions in the 1960s with his humorous satirical songs before he retired to become a teacher of maths and musical theatre at the University of California.

His songs have remained, however, and have been brought together in a revue called Tomfoolery, being staged in Cheltenham to support The Playhouse Theatre.

When asked why he retired at the height of his career, Lehrer said: "Satire became unnecessary when Henry Kissinger was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize." His leaves five albums containing classics like Poisoning Pigeons in the Park, The Masochism Tango, The Vatican Rag and The Elements - the Periodic Table set to the tune of Gilbert and Sullivan's Modern Major General.

Tomfoolery is being performed by the Ad Hoc Theatre Company. Cast member Paul Scott said: "Lehrer's songs were hugely original at the time.

"He was really the first person to make people laugh at things they didn't think they could laugh at and although some of the subjects may not be quite so relevant today, the humour and wit haven't dated at all.

"The songs are still as funny now as when they were written - you don't need to have been a child of the 60s to appreciate them. We keep laughing at them during rehearsals and half of us weren't even born when Lehrer retired from performing!"

Tomfoolery is playing at The Playhouse in Bath Road, Cheltenham, until Saturday. Call 01242 522852 for tickets.