Discworld Monthly - Issue 61: May 2002

1. Editorial

Welcome to issue 61. Discworld Monthly is officially five years old this month and we would love to thank you all for still reading and ensuring we have someone to write for.

Canadian readers waiting to meet Terry Pratchett should quickly look at section 6 for details of his imminent Canada tour.

Unfortunately we didn't have time to review Science of Discworld II: The Globe this month as our review copy only recently arrived. We did however also receive five copies to give away so look out of our competition next month.

--
Jason Anthony (Editor) info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
William Barnett (Deputy Editor)
Richard Massey (Backing Vocals)

2. News

Terry will be attending WH Smith in Cardiff on the 30th of April for the launch of the Welsh translation of the latest Discworld novel in paperback. This is the first Discworld book to be translated into Welsh and is published by Rily publications.

The updated edition of Science of Discworld (ISBN 0-091-88657-0) selling at 6.99 GBP with its two extra chapters, and Science of Discworld II: The Globe (0-091-88273-7) at 16.99 GBP will both be published on 2 May. We will include a review of Science of Discworld II next month.

The Wyrdest Link (ISBN 0575073195) should be available from April 25. Written by Dave Langford, The Wyrdest Link is the sequel to the popular Unseen University Challenge.

The links below are direct to Amazon.co.uk order pages:

Science of Discworld (Revised) - 0091886570/87

Science of Discworld II: The Globe - 0091882737/87

The Wyrdest Link - 0575073195/87

ISIS have now issued The Fifth Elephant as a ten CD version (ISBN 0-7531-1132-2). For more information visit www.isis-publishing.co.uk

A production of Lords and Ladies will take place at the Rollright Stone Circle this coming summer (22,23 and 25-29 June 2002).

What makes this production special is it is a play about a stone circle performed within a stone circle!

Ticket prices are not yet set but we expect them to start at around 10 GBP for members of the Friends of the Rollright Stones to a maximum of 15 GBP for advance bookings (with a concessionary ticket price for those qualifying).

Given the popularity of Terry Pratchett and this being a unique opportunity to see such a play with a star cast we are confident that tickets will sell out quickly* If you would like to put your name down for advance tickets, please do so by emailing rollright.trust@btinternet.co.uk (with Lords & Ladies in the subject line).

There will be a Gala Performance on the opening night (probably at midnight) with invited guests and complimentary glasses of scumble. Discworld costume or evening dress code preferred). If you wish to attend this performance please register early.

The circle can only accommodate a limited number of people in order to avoid disappointment please register as soon as possible. *Priority on tickets will be given to members of the Friends of the
Rollright Stones

Note all profits from this event will go to the Rollright Trust, profits will be put towards access and safety improvements and conservation.

The Purple Monkey Theatre Company will be performing Guards! Guards! which will take place at the YMCA Theatre, St. Thomas Street, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, from the 15th to the 18th of May 2002. The shows begin at 7:30pm and tickets cost 5GBP and 4GBP for concessions. The box office is available from 01723 374227 or 07812 171884

Small Ads....

Please note, DWM has no way of checking the veracity or validity of any of the items in our small ads section. As always, exercise caution when giving out your details over the Internet. We *strongly* recommend parental supervision for younger readers who
follow up any of these contacts.

Jon Meakin ( jon.meakin@ntlworld.com ) writes: A new section has been added to the forums at www.technetix.net/forum about books and a sub section about Discworld. It hasn't been running long but if you wish to chat with other fans be sure to visit.

Tanujaa ( tanujaa@vsnl.net ) writes: Hello, This is tanujaa bhattacharyyaa, my hard disk crashed. I lost all the addresses of the Discworld people all of you -- do please write to me once so that I get back all your contacts.

Brian Oxenham ( boxenham@eurobell.co.uk ) writes: I am just wondering if I am the only one in my mid-fifties and living in the wonderful city of Plymouth, who is the most and best fan of Terry Pratchett's books and features. Perhaps Plymouth is so far down in the South West that our next place on is Discworld itself. I never see anybody down here or read any letters from this area perhaps Rincwind has magiced us all away by mistake. I am surprised because Terry Pratchett only lives a couple of counties away. Never mind I am still here holding the fort. bye bye

Valerie ( dougnval.hanson@ntlworld.com ) writes: Does anyone know where I can buy Discworld Game 2 and Discworld Noir CDs? They seem to have disappeared from sight here in the UK. Or is any kind person out there with a copy(s) to sell? Please contact if you can help.

Dick Jansen ( cr.jansen@12move.nl ) writes: WANTED: DISCWORLD SOUL MUSIC VIDEO PART TWO. There's not much fun if you only own part one ((= could be the lyrics of a song!!). If someone has part two that they would like to sell, I would appreciate it if they could contact me. PS: I'm also interested in any other TP-Video's.

Simon Kaye ( fishmonkeyhunter@yahoo.com ) writes: Lovers of the City Watch series: I have recently put together a small club in Yahoo Groups based around City Watch roleplay. Eagerly seeking new members: I promise a good plot!! If you're interested, email me or visit the club proper at groups.yahoo.com/group/Watch_clacks

The Lady ( thelady_goddess@hotmail.com ) writes: Having already laid claim to Australia's most active Discworld MSN Web Community (which consists of members from all over the world - find us @ ~~communities.msn.com/AddictedtoDiscworld~~), I am hoping to start a fan group in my local area as well. That area is the Southeast of South Australia - the area around Mount Gambier (aka the Southeast, Green Triangle, Limestone Coast). I am looking for other fans in the region so we can form a group to do fan-type things, including performing the plays and travelling to meets and productions together all over the place.

If you're interested, please email me! I look forward to seeing some replies in my inbox.

Tippec writes: I'm just here to post a shameless plug for the latest Discworld community: Discworld Mountain. Currently, the Mountain is accepting many members of all Discworldish backgrounds! Here's what you can expect to participate in currently: Monthly Short Story Challenge (May is all about Lady Ramkin).

Discworld: Continued Existence (It's a spoof of Survivor)--We're currently taking sign ups for the game. Everyone should be guaranteed a spot on a guild!

Plenty of Message Board discussions to fit many tastes (general discussion, novel talk, movies and games). So please apply to join Discworld Mountain!

~~communities.msn.com/DiscworldMountain/Welcome.msnw~~

The Amazon Warrior ( hp0241@bristol.ac.uk ) writes: I've been a PTerry fan for a while now and was wondering, does anyone know what happened to the Discworld CD that was advertised in the back of some of the earlier books? Is it any good? Does anyone know where I can get a copy?

Also, I own two Discworld games. I've completed Discworld Noir, but am having problems even getting the first Discworld game to run on my computer. Windows 98 seems to do something very strange to it. Any ideas? (other than those involving access to Bill Gates and a large quantity of nitroglycerine, obviously!)

Janine Parmenter ( jparmenter@velaw.com ) writes: I am trying to locate a copy of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch 1999 Diary by TP, Stephen Briggs and Paul Kirby do you have any idea where I can locate a copy either used or new.

3. Readers' Letters

If you have any letters/comments, please email info@discworldmonthly.co.uk

We assume any correspondence is eligible for use in the newsletter unless otherwise stated, including the sender's email address. We may also edit your letters to edit them.

It is vitally important that you don't pass off other people's work as your own. If you use information from other resources please let us know so we can give proper credit.

This month we have a CMOT Dibbler Pie to give away to the best letter. The pie, crafted by The Cunning Artificer himself, shows in graphic detail some of the things that make a Dibbler's special - well special. For more information about The Cunning Artificer visit www.artificer.co.uk

*
* From: "Barry Etheridge" ( baz@clyne.screaming.net )
*
I quote straight from the Annotated Pratchett File:

'Greebo' is a word that was widely used in the early seventies to describe the sort of man who wanders around in oil-covered denim and leather (with similar long hair) and who settles disagreements with a motorcycle chain -- the sort who would like to be a Hell's Angel but doesn't have enough style.

I seem to remember having one of them in our class at school. Oh happy days!

*
* From: "acekez" ( acekez@fsmail.net )
*
In reply to 'Dick Burpy' in the last newsletter who said "Terry's early work such as Strata and Colour of Magic show how crap his work was". I say BUY SOME GLASSES! Has he not read these books? Did he read them while he was drunk? Has he no sense of humour? If this disturbed person had actually read these books without being drunk or blind and with a sense of humour he would realise that there was more than one joke and they are great pieces of literature. Of course he is allowed his own opinion, but he picked the wrong one!

*
* From: "Brent Biasin" ( mgjbmbb@corplink.com.au )
*
I would like to dispute the answer to question 24. 'Which member of the watch rubs his helmet the most?' The answer given was Carrot, however in Feet of Clay it is said that Detritus's armour (and helmet I presume) is even shinier than Carrot's as he forgets that he is polishing.

JA replies: William Barnett will be punished in a fitting mannor for this terrible mistake. We will take his PS2 away for a week.

*
* From: "Delphine Angua Von Uberwald" ( anguavonuberwald@angelfire.com )
*
A while ago I was reading a book at my friend's house, it was about Dracula and had some lovely pictures. Anyway, I came across a page that gave the meaning of Transilvania - it originates from the Latin 'Transilva' which means 'over the forest'. I already knew that 'Uberwald' meant over the forest in German and I found my new discovery amusing.

*
* From: "Marcel Birthelmer" ( marcel@carrietech.com )
*
Having watched "The Funniest Commercials You've Never Seen" on Friday night (here in California), they had an ad of XXXX Bitter, an Australian beer. Was the naming of the beer influenced by the genial Lost Continent novel, or vice versa? Or is it coincidence?

DWM replies: The name of the beer Castlemaine XXXX has was around a long time before the Lost Continent. In the UK we have long associated XXXX with Australia. By the way, surely even in America lager isn't called bitter?

*
* From: "Alex Cowley" ( acowley@Mono-Pumps.com )
*
With reference to Mark and Jan's supposition that the two "enforcer types" in "The Truth" are linked to a similar pair of characters in one of Neil Gaiman's novels.

Most folk seem to think that the two characters are based on the two killers played by John Travolta and Samuel L Jackson in the Quentin Tarantino movie "Pulp Fiction". This was released in 1994, two years before Gaiman's novel. In addition to this parallel, I have vague but fond memories of a British TV series featuring two very similar characters, gradually working their way through a collection of stolen safety deposit boxes. Each episode recounted the consequences of the opening of one of the boxes.

Both characters are well established stereotypes. What we have here is three writers who all have a finger firmly on the pulse of popular culture.

Finally, while we're having fun deconstructing "The Truth", the lawyer is clearly a parody of the Pete Postlethwaite's character from the Brian Singer movie "The Usual Suspects." No doubt there are other parallels with both movies, if you want to go hunting for them.

*
* From: "stykz" ( stykz@pandora.be )
*
The name is Gideon. I've been reading TP since this summer and have read the whole DW-series along with "The Carpet People" and am reading the final "Book Of The Nomes". As most other fans I also enjoy Tolkien's work. The only annoying things about being a Belgian fan are the problem of finding the books (especially "Thief of Time", buggrit) and the limited amount of Belgian fans to talk to about his work. Oh by the way, my favorite characters are Greebo,Granny Weatherwax and Samuel Vimes. Oh and Rincewind of course, he cracks me up.

*
* From: "CJ" ( maru@frii.com )
*
"Mark & Jan" commented on the similarities between PTerry's characters and Neil Gaiman's characters.

One tall character paired with a very short character is hardly new, and no one can really take credit for that. It's called 'the Mutt and Jeff syndrome'. The visual differences have always gotten attention, and in most cases, more than just a chuckle. Mutt and Jeff were cartoon characters in the 1920's. My folks have been called Mutt and Jeff since they dated back in the 40's. I doubt anyone would suggest they made up the height differences based on those cartoon characters. And I would suggest that the visual 'joke' goes back much farther.

My father would be upset if anyone suggested he had ripped off the 'Mr' before his name from anyone else. Pure coincidence.

*
* From: "Clare Short" ( queen.vamp@zoom.co.uk )
*
Hello to every one who's playing a Discworld [computer] game and stuck like super glue. Don't read the walkthrus! Go to this page and click on 'Hints' and it will give you a 'hint'o'matic' which will help you without spoiling the game. I used it and it's great, it gives you the chance to play with just the right amount of help so when you do finish, you feel like you have played the game not just followed somebody else's instructions. Hope it helps and I caught you all in time. www.co.uk.lspace.org/games/discworld/index.html

*
* From: "Chamberlain, David" ( david.chamberlain2@basell.com )
*
In response to your response (sounds weird) to Mrs. Meyer's e-mail re Maurice (is it a children's book)? You commented on the size of the fourth Harry Potter book... I may be wrong of course but wasn't the fourth Harry Potter book aimed towards getting adults reading the books as well as children so in fact it was made to be more like an adult book.

I have been reading Terry Pratchett for eight years now and have all the books paperback and on tape and find them all very entertaining (exceptions follow) But is it me or has his recent books left a bitter taste to the mouth... Perhaps I shouldn't be eating them!

1. Eric - What exactly was this... It is really good on tape but the book is dreadful! It does not have the length of a usual Pratchett and the style is just not there. What happened?

2. Thief of Time - To me this book started poor improved in the middle and ending awfully. Either I dramatically changed just before this came out or it was not to the usual highly impeccable standard of the master of Discworld.

3. The Last Hero - Stop messing about with the layout of the books! this was a fantastic read as a story but why was there a need for all the illustrations? It messed about with the flow of the story as I kept finding myself distracted by them. Go back to the old style Terry!

Favorite Book : The Truth.. Perfect Pratchett at his best.

DWM replies: You are aware that Eric was intended as an illustrated story, like The Last Hero? It has also been published without Josh Kidby's illustrations.

*
* From: "Green Rosemary" ( R.M.Green@livjm.ac.uk )
*
Re: Similarities between Terry Pratchett and other authors.

I have just read the letter about 'The Truth' by Terry Pratchett having similarities to 'Neverwhere' by Neil Gaimon. I have never read 'Neverwhere', but I have noticed a similar phenomenon.

When I read 'Thief of Time', I was struck by the similarity between Lu Tze and Li Kao from 'Bridge of Birds' by Barry Hughart (I think that's spelled right!). Then when I read 'Interesting Times' the similarity between Three Yoked Oxen (IT) and Number Ten Ox (BoB) also struck me. I am sure Terry must have read 'Bridge of Birds', as 'Interesting Times' contained other similarities, not just character names.

However, this is not necessarily deliberate copying. We are all influenced by what we read, otherwise, why do we read it? And the results of that influence may emerge in unexpected places!

WB replies: I think it's more than just what we read. Terry uses stereotypes, or archetypes, for comic effect. As mentioned elsewhere in this issue, there are many possible sources for Mr Pin and Mr Tulip - Of Mice And Men, anyone? Ankh-Morpork itself has all the hallmarks of classic fantasy cities including Fritz Leiber's Lankhmar. Death draws on folklore and The Seventh Seal, Bel-Shamharoth would be at home in Lovecraft and so on. Lu Tze plays on the image of the stereotypical Tibetan monk, possessor of mysterious Eastern wisdom. If he wasn't a stereotype, Rule One wouldn't work!

*
* From: fliemoe ( fliemoe@yahoo.co.uk )
*
I think I have come across a(nother) example of PTerry's work infiltrating popular culture.

The other Sunday I was watching a rerun of "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" (sad, I know, but you have to do something whilst the effects of Saturday night wear off) and Hercules & side-kick Iolaus are invited to a wedding.

Iolaus accepts the offer by saying something along the lines of 'Is the world flat & held up by 4 elephants?' Hercules responds by saying that he thought that the world was round much to the amusement of his pal.

I don't know who the writer was but I think it's a pretty fair bet that s/he is a fan.....

*
* From: "weatherwax" ( Boddington@weatherwax.karoo.co.uk )
*
I haven't read any of the Harry Potter stuff, so cannot comment on this. I have though just finished reading Phillip Pullman's Trilogy (Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and the Amber Spyglass). Although aimed at 12-15 year olds, this phantasy story is not funny, but certainly different as it is a moral tale of good against evil (which is which?). Thought some of you phantasy readers out there might be interested, as it is really a tale for all ages.

*
* From: "Anna Clatworthy" ( sabriel17@hotmail.com )
*
I am the unofficial writter for the 'Insanity Players!' a group of utterly mad highschool students from Sydney that like to go up on stage at assemblies (and any other excuses) and act out silly sketches (Monty Python etc) to our school. If anyone has anythyng they could send us in the way of songs, sketches or their fave Pterry quote I (and the rest of IP) would be vey grateful.

*
* From: "karenjordaan" ( karenjordaan@freemail.absa.co.za )
*
I was reading a copy of "The Last Hero" and enjoying it very much (not in spite of the pretty pictures, dear Nick Murphy, because I enjoyed them A LOT even though I'm not a child). Anyway, I was on the page with the biggish picture of Ponder Stibbons when my Nom leaned over, examined the picture and said "Is this Harry Potter when he's older?" At first I thought that she was kidding, but suddenly I saw it too. Ponder Stibbons looks very much like Harry Potter! My mom does not read TP's books, although she frequently is subjected to quotations from his books, read by me.

Now I wonder if Paul Kidby had unconsciously drawn Ponder Stibbons to look like Harry Potter, or is it just our imagination... Feel free to send me your opinion.

*
* From: "Sue Rhodes" ( Sue.Rhodes@k3btg.com )
*
I found this link on www.theonering.net as Medtitations on Middle-Earth, edited by Karen Haber has been nominated for a Hugo Award. It is a collection of essays about J.R.R. Tolkien of which one is by PTerry.

greenbooks.theonering.net/tributes/files/terry_pratchett.html

*
* From: "Churchill, Joanna" ( joanna.churchill@ic.ac.uk )
*
I am currently a member of my university Science Fiction and Fantasy Society and consequently meet a wide variety of people. Amongst all these people, there is only one common factor: they are all different. They all have different personalities, different tastes and preferences. You will often find people who have similar tastes, but they are never the same and to say that people who like one particular author will automatically like another because they have similar styles or because you have met a group of people who have liked these particular authors is incorrect.

There is no accounting for taste. An often used phrase but in this case I think most appropriate. I think it is important to remember that what you like will not always appeal to others. I think we should stop saying 'all people who like PTerry will like Tolkien' or 'Tolkien and PTerry are worlds apart' as these are individual opinions and as such incorrect generalisations. So, whilst everyone is entitled to their own opinion, perhaps it would be sensible to introduce a touch of sense to further discussions on this topic and merely limit ourselves to suggestions of authors for those who have enjoyed PTerry's work.

DWM replies: Joanna gets this month's Letter of the Month. Your Dibbler's pie should be on it way soon.

4. Birthday Trivia Part 6

This is the sixth instalment of five questions from my birthday trivia quiz. All questions were written by William Barnett so if the answers are wrong, once again blame him.

Q26): What sort of creature might man a station on the Circumfence?
Q27): Which of the following Josh Kirby covers does not feature a large-bosomed chick wearing not many clothes: Moving Pictures, Guards! Guards!, Sourcery or Pyramids? [That's not very PC William - Ed]
Q28): Who is also known as the Soul-Eater, the Soul-Render and the Sender of Eight?
Q29): What do you understand by the phrase 'reflected sound of underground spirits'?
Q30): What goes 'shlup'?

The answers can of course be found in the final section of the newsletter.

5. Review: The Grand Thud Day

by Jason Anthony

On a beautiful, sunny, spring, bank holiday Monday in Somerset, around 60 people gathered at the sign of the Dolphin in Wincanton to witness the first ever Thud Tournament.

Thirty-six individuals took up the challenge, with only a few having played the game before and most of them only once or twice. After registration we moved into the gaming room where 18 boards had been set up. We were ushered to our allotted tables and told the rules. It would be a game of quick Thud with each player having only 30 moves in each round. Each player was given 15 seconds thinking time and then 5 seconds to make their move.

Scoring was based on the difference in points between the winner of the round and the loser and were marked on the score cards. If one player had 4 Trolls (16 points) and the other had 3 Dwarfs (3 points) the Troll player scored 13 points and the Dwarf player scored -13 points.

There was a great sense of anticipation, excitement and nervousness as each player waited for the start. Once the game commenced we settled down into the rhythm of the game. After the first round we took a short break, reset the boards and started the second half.

Once the first game had been completed, the scores were tallied and a timeout was called for lunch. After meeting various Discworld fans and fellow Thud players I had missed my opportunity for a pub lunch but did manage to get a quick drink in before games resumed at 2pm. Luckily I was able to stave off hunger by gorging myself on the copious amounts of chocolate eggs that Bernard had arranged.

On returning to the game room we had been allocated new opponents and settled down to the second game (after waiting for Dave Hodges to return). Now that everyone in the room had played at least one game the atmosphere was more relaxed and everyone seamed to be enjoying themselves. After the second game Terry had arrived as was busily signing anything people could place in front of him. At this point all thirty six players were given certificates signed by Bernard and Trevor (the games designer) and many took the opportunity to get Terry to sign them too.

On entering the games room for the third and final time, it became obvious (after Dave Hodges turned up... again) that people were beginning to take things more seriously. I personally found the third game very tiring (the level of concentration required is quite demanding) and also found it quite off-putting having Terry watching over you as you made your moves and quite often ghastly mistakes. After what seemed like a very long hour the games were all over. The cards were collected and the scores counted.

We were treated to some light entertainment by Bernard and Terry until the scores were announced in the form of the ancient and time honoured tradition of 'Maudlin Monday' where Terry gave chocolate money to the poor and needy (naturally after three games of Thud we all felt we qualified).

First a special prize was allocated to Monica Foster for being the person that gave away the most points. Then the serious prizes were handed out. In fourth place was I, your esteemed Editor, in third place Jonathon Simons, second Alex Carlton and in first place was Becky Larking who admitted to having quite a lot more experience with Thud than most.

The fourth place prize was a copy of Eric on audio book. The prizes for third and second places was a Dwarf on a stand and a copy of the audio book Eric, whilst the first prize was a Troll on a stand and copies of Eric and The Fifth Elephant also on ISIS audio books.

Once the formalities were over and the photos were taken the crowds dispersed on a highly enjoyable and hugely successful day. The first Discworld board game had Thudded home.

More information about the Thud game can be found at ~~www.thudgame.com~~ and some pictures and an alternative review found at ~~www.waddy.rapidial.co.uk/~~

6. Terry Pratchett's Canada Tour

I have just received the following tour information from Random House Publishing in Canada about Terry's upcoming tour.

VANCOUVER - May 6
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Talk, Q&A, and Signing
White Dwarf/BCLA (British Columbia Library Association)
Location: St. James Church Hall
3214 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets are 10 CAD
Call: BCLA Office - 604 683-5354 or Colleen Smith - 604 437-8441

VICTORIA - May 7
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Talk, Q&A, and Signing
Hosted by Bolen Books (111-1644 Hillside Avenue, Victoria)
Location: Alix Goolden Performance Hall
907 Pandora Avenue
Tickets are 5 CAD
Call: (250) 595-4232

EDMONTON - May 8
7:00 PM Talk, Q&A, and Signing
Greenwoods Bookstore (10355 Whyte Avenue, Edmonton, AB)
Location: Alberta Provincial Museum
12845-102 Avenue
Tickets are 5 CAD
Call: (780) 439-2005
books@greenwoods.com

TORONTO - May 10
7:00 PM Talk, Q&A, and Signing
University of Toronto Bookstore (214 College Street, Toronto)
Location: University of Toronto
Medical Sciences Auditorium
1 Kings College Circle
This is a FREE event
Call: 416-978-7989

7. Clarecraft Competition

Clarecraft have just created a new collectors piece of Susan & Death of Rats which is only available at Clarecraft events. Clarecraft have agreed to offer one of these limited pieces as a competition prize. Clarecraft are hoping to have a new Collectors annual piece, and possibly a new limited edition available in time for the upcoming Convention.

If you would like to win this model email the answer to the following question to info@discworldmonthly.co.uk by Friday 24th May 2002.

Q. In what Suffolk village are Clarecraft located?

The randomly selected winner will be announced next month. In the meantime to find out more about Clarecraft visit their web site at www.clarecraft.co.uk

8. Review: Eastleigh Gang Show Video

by Jason Anthony

Terry was recently persuaded to appear (in a rather brief capacity) in the Eastleigh Gang Show. The show was recorded and I was sent a copy to review.

The show was a musical affair that told the story of Merlin the wizard (or should that be wizardess - in true political correctness and despite historical evidence Merlin is female in this production) stealing famous people from history so she can prolong her life using theirs. After collecting the likes of Maid Marion, Baden Powell and Santa they set about stealing Terry Pratchett from a book signing. At this point the show moved to a video projection screen where the Guides (Merlin's assistants) invaded a book signing, lifted up Terry's hat and hit him with a rubber chicken. They then proceed to drag him back to the stage (where inexplicably someone else tries, but fails, to look like him for the rest of the show).

There is also some more footage of Terry near the end of the show but I won't give away the plot details here.

The musical numbers included Fame - Who wants to live forever, Queen's We will rock you, Alice Cooper's I want to be elected, Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb and many more. The singing was often lost in the sound mix but the band were quite good.

Near the beginning of the show there was the obligatory Three Witches sketch which was so similar to the start of Wyrd Sisters it was scary. Especially down to the "I can do next Tuesday" line.

All the performers put in a lot of effort and the crowd appeared to appreciate the entertaining show.

The Gang Shows are run every two years and each one is unique. This show had a cast of 83 (no, I didn't count them) ranging in age from 8 to 65 and also had as many backstage and support crew. Terry is apparently the first person, outside of the Scout or Guide Associations, to ever get a red neckerchief that is only given to entertainers in the show.

Now I must admit I am not a great fan of musicals but I did find this show amusing. Whether I could recommend this to other Discworld fans is difficult. For a start it's not Discworld, it's just a musical that happens to have a few minutes of Terry Pratchett in it, but for some that may be enough.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the video, it costs 12GBP + 2GBP postage and packing. Cheques should be made out to "Eastleigh Gang Show" and sent to 267 Hursley Road, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, Hants. Please allow 28 days for delivery. Profits from the video go to the Guides and a small donation will be made to the Orangutan Foundation for any purchases made by Discworld Monthly readers - just mention DWM in any correspondence.

More information about the Gang Shows can be found at ~~www.eastleigh-gangshow.org.uk~~

9. The End

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* Birthday Trivia Results *

Q26): What sort of creature might man a station on the Circumfence?
A26): A sea troll
Q27): Which of the following Josh Kirby covers does not feature a large-bosomed chick wearing not many clothes: Moving Pictures, Guards! Guards!, Sourcery or Pyramids?
A27): Guards! Guards!
Q28): Who is also known as the Soul-Eater, the Soul-Render and the Sender of Eight?
A28): Bel-Shamharoth
Q29): What do you understand by the phrase 'reflected sound of underground spirits'?
A29): Economics (echo-gnomics)
Q30): What goes 'shlup'?
A30): The Luggage

* Obtaining Terry's Books *

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Discworld Monthly - Issue 61: May 2002

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