Big Grey Pole - The parody song about the i360

Hannah Brackenbury has made a comic adaptation of Joni Mitchell's Big Yellow Taxi entitled Big Grey Pole. She released a music video of the song on Thursday, ahead of her appearance at the Brighton Fringe in June. 

The Brighton-based musical comedy performer said the tune, which begins with the lyrics "They paved Brighton seafront and put up a big grey pole", was designed to gently poke fun at the city's newest tourist attraction. It also suggests money could have been better spent on services like saving Hove Library.

The 37-year-old, who gained attention for her previous cat-themed Taylor Swift parody song, said: "The i360 has been such a big talking point in Brighton for so long that I couldn’t resist having a little light-hearted poke at it.

"It has definitely divided opinion and I do think people are starting to warm to it, but still the majority of residents I chat to about it aren’t keen.

"I love the original song so much, I felt a bit bad pulling it apart but I like to think that actually she would approve.

"I actually have no problem with the concept, the idea of having a new attraction in that location was good and a viewing tower was not a bad idea."

She said the artist’s impressions made it look "shiny, sleek and sexy" but claimed the reality was unfortunately "so painfully dull and completely dominates the view," disappointing some people.

She added: "Hopefully once the lights are switched on and the pod is up and running it will be a lot more interesting to look at and I genuinely do hope it is a success.

"I've been performing the song out at shows and it's got a really great response from most audiences. I don't think I'll be invited to perform at the opening ceremony though."

An i360 spokeswoman said: "Hannah is clearly a talented comedian and her video did make us chuckle.

"One of the things that makes Brighton such a great place to live is the creativity with which people express themselves, and it’s great to be talked about.

"We should point out though that the funding came from the Public Works Loan Board, which only funds projects that create a commercial return. It wasn’t a case of Brighton and Hove City Council choosing to fund British Airways i360 instead of services like Hove Library.

"And don’t forget, local residents get half-price tickets if they sign up to our membership scheme. That’s something to sing about."

Click here to watch the video and sing along with the lyrics below

Big Grey Pole by Hannah Brackenbury

They paved Brighton Seafront and put up a big grey pole,

It looks really ugly and nobody likes it at all.

Now it's much too late you see,

'Cause we're stuck with this big monstrosity,

And they paved Brighton Seafront and put up a big grey pole.

They took all our money and spent it on this metal stick,

And they'll charge all the tourists a minimum fifteen quid.

When all they're really gonna see,

Are some rooftops and some boats out at sea,

Still they paved Brighton Seafront and put up a big grey pole.

Hey Brighton council couldn't you really think,

Of anything better to spend 36 million quid on?

Now it's much too late you see,

'Cause we've gone and lent them all the money,

And they paved Brighton Seafront and put up a big grey pole.

Poor Brighton Wheel it had to get out the way,

Even though we all loved it would have rather preferred it to stay.

Now it's much too late you know,

'Cause the wheel has got to find a new home,

And they paved Brighton Seafront and put up a big grey pole.

Late last night I had a beautiful dream,

It got hit by lightning and crashed down into the sea.

Now it's much too late you see,

'Cause we're stuck with this big monstrosity,

And they paved Brighton Seafront and put up a big grey pole.

They ruined Brighton seafront and put up a big grey pole.

Our beautiful seafront is stuck with this big grey pole.

Factfile

HANNAH Brackenbury is gaining attention for her musical comedy, parodies and acoustic covers.

She reached the finals of the Musical Comedy Awards and embarked on a UK tour earlier this year after releasing her second studio album of original songs, called Jumbled. She is performing for a free Brighton Fringe show of the same name, at the Blue Man Café, Queen's Road from June 2 to 5.

Visit brackers.co.uk for performance times.