In 1997, the BBC made a version of the classic Lou Reed song "Perfect Day" in order to showcase its diverse music coverage. The song was broadcast on BBC channels, in cinemas, and at major events organised by the BBC such as the 1998 Eurovision Song Content. It featured Lou Reed himself and other major artists in what the Financial Times described as "an astonishing line-up of world class performers". 

Prompted by huge public demand, the track was released on November 17, 1997, as a charity single for Children in Need, and Reed commented, "I have never been more impressed with a performance of one of my songs." It was the UK's number one single for three weeks, in two separate spells and also a huge success in Ireland, remaining at number one for seven weeks and becoming 1997's Christmas number one in that country. The record contributed £2,125,000 to the charity's highest fundraising total in six years, and, as of November 2016, has sold 1.54 million copies. 

With the EUSOG production of The Pirates of Penzance following only a few weeks later in January 1998, the cast decided to create an homage to this iconic video to accompany a collection for Children in Need (although our version was recorded in only a couple of days, with no budget and featured a range of household props such as a teatowel and headphones!). Show Director Magnus Wake was also behind the filming and editing of this memorable video. Let us know how you think it compares with the BBC version!