snarled Sir Roland.“Shh!” hissed the queen, as Perkin began: “My name is Sir Percy, a brave gallant knight. I’ve challenged Sir Roland to have a big fight. Here he comes now! I’m afraid he’ll soon see That no one is tougher and braver than me!” The tubby actor playing Sir Roland lumbered on stage to a ripple of titters. He had a ridiculous false beard and several cushions stuffed up his costume to make him look even fatter. For the next half hour “Sir Roland” suffered a string of mishaps at the hands of the dashing “Sir Percy”. Finally “Sir Percy” knocked “Sir Roland” off the stage on to a pile of brown gloop. With a great howl “Sir Roland” declared: “Sir Percy is the best, it’s true! Alas, I’ve landed in the poo!” There was a great burst of laughter. “Brilliant! Bravo!” exclaimed the king, clapping loudly.“Funniest thing I’ve seen in ages!”
