Who could forget Rowan Atkinson’s iconic Mr. Bean performance at the London 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony on July 27, 2012?
That evening, as the cameras captured the Olympic Stadium, Sir Simon Rattle and the London Symphony Orchestra were introduced, leading us to anticipate an exceptional rendition of Vangelis’ “Chariots of Fire.” Instead, a surprising twist blended music and comedy, making it a timeless moment.
When the camera zoomed in on the pianist, everyone was surprised as they saw comedy legend Rowan Atkinson as his famous character, Mr. Bean. Instantly, viewers around the world began to laugh as Atkinson took on the job of keeping the steady electronic beat of the famous Greek composer’s movie theme.
Mr. Bean seemed to be tired from his responsibilities and Vangelis’ repetitive rhythm. He struggled to keep the synthesizer beat going when switching fingers, eventually using his umbrella – a must-have for any outdoor event in Britain.
As Bean falls asleep during the sketch, the scene transitions to the iconic running sequence from Chariots of Fire, with Bean lagging behind. At an event celebrating the world’s greatest athletes, Rowan Atkinson showcased the peak of English comedy.
“Well, that is English humour at its best,” the broadcaster said. “Rowan Atkinson, Mr Bean. Famous surely all around the world, and I hope you laughed.”
In a conversation with Lihoreau, Atkinson shared, “Music and comedy sit extremely well together, but they have to blend. They can’t fight each other – it is a dance.
“Music is many ways in the straight man to comedy, that essential support mechanism against which you can play.”