21 APRIL 1967, Page 4

MacBirdsong

CHRISTOPHER HOLLIS

Macbeth—not MacBird- One has commonly heard, Did his master to death. So they say of Macbeth. But Miss Barbara Garson, Contriving a farce on The Tale of MacBird, Thought it wholly absurd That an avant-garde squib Should not copy its crib Like the rat in the wriggle. So, just for a giggle, Made MacBird kill O'Dunc, Though she knew it was bunk. If MacBird should object That this wasn't correct, What on earth is absurder Than burking at murder? If one wants to make money One has to be funny.

Can't the silly old bloke See it's only a joke?