By Joanna Orland
Everyone has heard of the Harlem Globetrotters. Since their inception in 1926 Chicago, the Globetrotters have been an all-American basketball team that combines athleticism, drama, and most of all, comedy. Internationally renowned for their unique combination of physical skill and verbal comedy, the team have been a mainstay in popular culture for 84 years, and have even appeared on The Simpsons!
If you haven’t seen them live, you’re still likely familiar with their act, their theme tune of “Sweet Georgia Brown”, and quite possibly their hilarious mascot “Globie” who’s been around for 17 years. When you see them live, all the pieces fit together to form a hilariously entertaining night of physicality that will leave you both awestruck and giggling.
While the team were fab, it was Globie’s big brother that stole the show for me. The rubbery larger version of Globie had me in tears when he came out on the court dancing to Chumbawamba. Everytime the lyric “I get knocked down… but i get up again…” played, this *THUD* echoed across Wembley as he whacked himself face first onto the court. What is that if not pure comedy genius!? TEARS!!!!!!
Anyway, I’m a crap photographer clearly…. either that, or the Harlem Globetrotters are just way too fast-moving for me to capture on film. Here are some of my favourite highlights from the night:
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