That’s the dream of this new facebook group, created by Henry Scowcroft.
So now Life in Cold Blood is over, and the great man has hung up his broadcasting boots for good, what better tribute than to replace the starchy, boring voice on the London Underground with the silky, enthusiastic utterances of Sir David Attenborough.
If anyone can put the finch back into Finchley Road and tell us what really lives in Warren Street, it’s Sir David.
This is a great idea! Seems there is a vacancy…
Not up for it yourself Mutt?
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Well spotted Helen !!
What a great idea! The whole series could then be released as a CD as Life Underground. With a special bonus Mornington Crescent.
Henry would like to make it known that it was in fact his better half, Ruth Francis, who came up with the idea and she will dismember his nether-regions if due credit is not given.
At risk of an inflammatory comment, I wonder if the other Henry (Gee, he of the End of the Pier and girrafes on unicycles), and those of an anti-RD on Dr W persuasion, would regard David A in the same light as he regards Richard D, given that they both speak and write about science, and that neither of them is a practicing scientist but a promoter of science?
At this rate, these dudes have yet to re-enter the Top 100 in this regard.
@Maxine – I’d vote for Dave A over Dickie D anytime, as one is a gentle, modest voice of explanation who has done more for the broadcasting of science and culture than possibly anyone alive – and the other is an arrogant so-and-so with a bad case of rampant narcissism who has done nothing much for anyone (except himself). And David A would be the last person to regard himself as a scientist, or to use such borrowed robes to boost his own credibility. But if we are going to think of new voices for the tube, why stop at David Attenborough? Here are a few of my own modest suggestions: Patrick Stewart , Brian Blessed ,
Fi Glover (my glasses steam up at the thought) ,
Serena , Judi Dench and Christopher Lee (my insides turn to water with the terror of it).
I’m sure you can think of many more.
Sir David does indeed refrain from considering himself a scientist. I’ve asked him about this and he very modestly described his role as “pointing at things and going ‘Ooh, look at that, isn’t that interesting?’”
The thought of Christopher Lee’s voice on the Tube will give me nightmares. It should be reserved solely for the Northern line which is already a pit of deepest despair. There could definitely be a game of “Match the Celebrity to the Line”
Also, @Graham – this version is much better.
As definitions of scientists go, “pointing at things and going ‘Ooh, look at that, isn’t that interesting?’” is a good start.
Exactly, Richard. I am sure that is how RD started out (why is everyone called Richard these days)?
I recall many years ago (I write as a 150 year old) as an undergraduate at a university whose name I shall not speak, listening to a series of lectures that were just so darn interesting compared with all the other tedious, droning rambles we were subjected to…the punchline is too obvious so I will not provide it.
Being 132 years ago, said lecturer was not famous or even infamous—but a darn good lecturer, I have to say.
To avoid confusion .