Run, Rabbit, Run - Propaganda, Parody and Punchlines

In this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine hop into the world of one of WWII’s catchiest tunes: “Run, Rabbit, Run!”. Made famous by comedy duo Flanagan and Allen, the song took on a life of its own - boosting morale, teasing the Luftwaffe and even becoming a favourite of Winston Churchill.

They explore the song’s theatrical roots in Noel Gay’s The Little Dog Laughed, its transformation into a patriotic earworm and its cheeky parody lyrics aimed at Hitler and co. Along the way, they dive into the extraordinary lives of Bud Flanagan and Chesney Allen, their role in the beloved Crazy Gang and the genius of Noel Gay - the man who gave us everything from Leaning on a Lamp-post to The Lambeth Walk.

Expect tales of daring vaudeville careers, bombed-out theatres, Pathe propaganda films and performances by everyone from Gracie Fields to Jack Hylton. Plus, Lili and Tom share some of their favourite wartime comedy songs and read a touching message from a devoted listener all the way from Australia.

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

You can listen to ALL of the songs that Tom and Lili talk about in the episode on their Spotify playlister here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FQDrBphYqYLAuN6Jm01PN?si=b777dc33a703408a

REFERENCES

Lili’s Tribute to Tom Lehrer @ Crazy Coqs
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DM4kZeoIQia/

Tom’s “I Got It From Agnes”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G0jaAP6MfY

Tom Lehrer’s Back Catalogue
https://tomlehrersongs.com/

Lili Redman Siren @ Edinburgh Fringe
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/lili-redman-siren

Richard Townsley - “Captian TikTok”
https://www.tiktok.com/@absolutehistory/video/7010804201668234502?q=ww1%20medicine&t=1754644830469

Richard Townsley
https://richard-townsley.com/

Zeitgeist Battlefield Tours
https://www.zeitgeisttours.com/

Captain John Lauder - son of Sir Harry Lauder
https://www.cwgc.org/stories/stories/captain-john-currie-lauder-soldier-son-of-scotlands-greatest-ever-ambassador/

Noel Gay
https://noelgay.com/history/
https://noelgay.com/noel-gays-music/

The Lambeth Walk - 1937
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPItn6Kp6D0

Bud Flanagan - London Locations
https://www.londonshoes.blog/2019/05/21/the-legendary-bud-flanagan-from-cradle-to-grave-an-east-end-boy-done-good/

Flanagan and Allen
https://www.andmeetings.com/blog/post/meetings-that-made-entertainment-history-when-flanagan-met-allen

Chesney Allen’s Military Service
https://livesofthefirstworldwar.iwm.org.uk/lifestory/30483

The Crazy Gang
http://www.turnipnet.com/crazygang/gang.htm

The Last Night of the Crazy Gang @ the Victoria Palace
https://youtu.be/3hSrjU6nLuo?si=4pHbZO407P96THyJ

Underneath the Arches - Derby Connection
https://martinlloydauthor.blogspot.com/2015/01/flanagan-allen-and-friargate-bridge.html

Dad’s Army Theme Tune
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XroU9_tNF7A

Run Rabbit Run as WW2 Propaganda
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-50354168

Oma Rapeti - Run Rabbit Run in Maori!
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