The Art of Town Crying: A Masterclass from an Eight-Year-Old

In a delightful segment featuring the world of competitive town crying, we are introduced to an eight-year-old prodigy from South Devon named Oliver. Despite his young age, Oliver displays the poise and charisma of a seasoned performer, setting his sights high with the bold declaration: "Watch out, all you criers. I'm coming for your crown."

The Inspiration Behind the Bell

Oliver’s journey into this historic and quirky tradition began through his grandfather, who has been a town crier for 11 years. It was his grandfather who first took him to a competition, sparking a passion that Oliver describes simply: "I really liked it." During the interview, Oliver displays a charmingly professional demeanor, correcting the host, Dawn French, by noting that the young lady beside him is not merely a friend, but his "escort, Ruby." This level of commitment to the role highlights how deeply the tradition is ingrained in his young persona.

Decoding the "Oyez"

One of the most fascinating parts of the discussion involves the iconic opening phrase of any town crier: "Oh yay, oh yay, oh yay." When asked about its meaning, Oliver turns to his grandfather for guidance. The term, which is often misheard by the public, is clarified as "hear ye," a phrase with French origins. As the host jokingly remarks, it "sounds like it would be French because it's bonkers," perfectly capturing the whimsical nature of the tradition.

The Mechanics of a Proper Cry

Oliver provides a masterclass on the anatomy of a town cry. According to the young expert, the essence of the craft is to "boast about your town." He explains that a crier might highlight local amenities—perhaps a "great car park" or a "wonderful Nando's."

He also offers specific instructions to the host on how to perform a cry properly:

• The Bell: One must "ring it three or four times."
• The Gesture: When concluding with the traditional sign-off, "God bless you all," the crier must "bow with your heart."

A Playful Exchange of Roles

Taking up the challenge, Dawn French attempts to become a town crier herself. She dons the regalia, including a "hat with three corners," and delivers a humorous performance. She admits, "If you wanted a proper performance, you should have hired Dame Judi Dench," but promises to give it her best effort nonetheless.

In a brilliant display of wit, Oliver takes the stage one final time to deliver a hilarious, improvised poem about the host, referencing her famous role: "There once was a vicar from Dibley whose appetite was never in doubt." He recounts a story of her eating "four Christmas dinners, right down to the last Brussels sprout." The segment concludes with a heartwarming and competitive spirit, as Oliver reminds the host: "Watch out, dear Dawn. I'm after your job, don't you know?"

Conclusion

Oliver’s appearance on Little Big Shots serves as a reminder that talent and tradition can be passed down through generations. Whether he is explaining the origins of a centuries-old cry or teasing a famous comedian, his enthusiasm for town crying remains infectious. As he says, he is truly "coming for your crown," and given his talent, the world of town crying is in very capable hands.