King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys

King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys are a British jazz band shown on the early 1997 episodes of the Teletubbies television series. They love to play Nursery Rhymes for both the children and for the Teletubbies. They are in episodes that usually are titled with a nursery rhyme. They made five episode appearances.

Episode Appearances[]

The Grand Old Duke of York (first appearance)
See-Saw
Humpty Dumpty
Hey Diddle Diddle
Hickory Dickory Dock (last appearance)
Nursery Rhymes (The Grand Old Duke of York and Hickory Dickory Dock)
Bedtime (Hey Diddle Diddle)

Gallery[]

Songs written for Teletubbies[]

Trivia[]

King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys are also shown performing in concerts off of Teletubbies.
King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys along with the Funny Lady are the best known Teletubbies TV Event.
When King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys sing a Nursery Rhyme, they come up with original lyrics to avoid repeating the same verse over and over again.
On episodes featuring King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys, the Pupils of Chuckery Infant School cheer and applause at the end of the video segment.
Their first four appearances featured the longest-running Biscuit Boy, Chris Shirley, and former members Al Gare and Jonny Boston. On their first four appearances alone, Mark Skirving (as King Pleasure) wore a yellow double-breasted suit with a red and silver diamond patterned straight tie and black and white spectator shoes. Chris Shirley, and former members Al Gare, Jonny Boston, and Danny McCormack wore red double-breasted suits with straight ties and black and white spectator shoes. Other former members Paul Martin, Dean Beresford, and Paul Allin also wore red double-breasted suits with straight ties and black and white spectator shoes, however, the entire band appearing at Birmingham Botanical Gardens featuring the drums, the alto and baritone saxophones, the trumpet, Mark Skirving's saxophone and neckstrap, the music instrument stands at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and the appearances of Paul Martin, Dean Beresford, and Paul Allin were never shown in the final version of their first four appearances filmed at the city of Birmingham England's botanical gardens. On their fifth and last appearance, two musicians appeared when Mark Skirving wore a black double-breasted suit with a metallic colour patterned straight tie and a pin across it with a clip-on microphone on the suit jacket alongside the same shoes from his first four appearances, where former member Danny McCormack wore the same outfit from the band's first four appearances.
On 8 May 1998 in the Evening Telegram, under the headline The Pleasure's all ours, Mark Skirving said the band changed their name for the appearance where they sang the first four nursery rhymes, The Grand Old Duke of York, See-Saw Margery Daw, Humpty Dumpty, and Hey Diddle Diddle with a rhythm and blues version to different selections of Pupils of Chuckery Infant School, which were gangs of kids from Chuckery School where they spent a whole day at the city of Birmingham, England's botanical gardens in the suburb of Edgbaston, but they regretted the name change when the show, which became the Teletubbies TV series, attracts a cult following.^[1]
On 12 March 1999 in The Walsall Observer, under the headline Swing Kings Back Their Roots, Mark Skirving said he wore the yellow double-breasted suit to sing The Grand Old Duke of York, See-Saw Margery Daw, Humpty Dumpty, and Hey Diddle Diddle to different selections of kids at Birmingham Botanical Gardens in Birmingham, England, and strangely, the kids featured in the music videos were Pupils of Chuckery Infant School. However, their first four appearances were filmed separately from the four episodes that contain their music videos.^[2]
On 22 March 2002 in a British news company, under the headline Biscuit Boys in Tubblyland, Mark Skirving stated that after he met Teletubbies co-creator Anne Wood at a gig in Stafford, England, United Kingdom, she asked the band to sing nursery rhymes on the Teletubbies TV series, so he rewrote the first four nursery rhymes, The Grand Old Duke of York, See-Saw Margery Daw, Humpty Dumpty, and Hey Diddle Diddle with a swing style by adding more lyrics, filmed in 1996 with the band performing the songs featuring the Pupils of Chuckery Infant School at the botanical gardens in the city of Birmingham, England.
The songs, The Grand Old Duke of York, See-Saw Margery Daw, Humpty Dumpty, and Hey Diddle Diddle, which Mark Skirving rewrote with a swing and jazz version, were filmed in 1996 at Birmingham Botanical Gardens in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham, England. The song, Hickory Dickory Dock, which Mark Skirving also rewrote for the Teletubbies TV series, was filmed at Chuckery Schools in the English town of Walsall, United Kingdom, now known as Chuckery Primary School since fall 2000, when Skirving appeared alongside the band's former pianist Danny McCormack.
In 2001, King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys completely changed its lineup when Mally Baxter and Paul Martin departed, and the other three, Al Gare, Danny McCormack, and Dean Beresford were respectively replaced by Craig Sunderland, Steven Tromans (replaced by Matthew Foundling in 2006), and David Wilkes (replaced by Gary Barber in 2008). As well, Mark Skirving acquired the baritone saxophone and John Battrum acquired the alto saxophone, both acquired from founding member Paul Martin. Since 2004, Mark Skirving has been very popular on the baritone saxophone, with the tenor saxophone absent or scarcely played since then, and as of 2023, John Battrum has been very popular on the tenor saxophone without the alto saxophone being around. The trumpet, the musical instrument that used to be a part of King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys, was later revived more than ten years later, now played by Bryan Corbett of Big Joe Pleasure, the expanded lineup that also consists of Gregory Coulson (who sometimes fills in for Matt Foundling), Fats Antonio, James Merris (who sometimes performs in the band's concerts), Mike McGeever, Skullduggery, and Richard Wood.
Occasionally, the usual roles for Gary Barber, John Battrum, Matt Foundling, and Craig Sunderland are filled in by Chris B. Aldridge, Richard Bond, Paul Corry, Gregory Coulson, John Roy Potter, Mike Powell, Justin Randall, Howard Smith, Dave Tandy, Jon Taylor and Andy Williamson.
Since 2001, Mark Skirving and Chris Shirley are the only remaining founding members of King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys, and John Battrum is the only other remaining musician from the 1999-2001 lineup.
The trademark wardrobe for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys have evolved throughout the band's existence, ranging from formal to casual, such as business suits. In 2001, the black and white spectator shoes were retired as King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys' trademark wardrobe, and were later retired by Mark Skirving, Chris Shirley, and John Battrum in 2002, when the blue double-breasted suits were retired as King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys' trademark wardrobe, which continued to be worn by King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys in the early days of the 2001-2006 lineup until 2002, where Mark Skirving, Chris Shirley, and John Battrum continued to wear the black and white spectator shoes until 2002. Matt Foundling wore the blue double breasted suit as opposed to the 1960s single breasted casual blue one-button suit since 2012. The 1960s single breasted casual blue one-button suit has been King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys' trademark wardrobe since 2005. As well, Mike Powell, who sometimes who fills in for Craig Sunderland (as Shark Van Schtoop), sometimes wears the blue double-breasted suit which King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys retired as their trademark wardrobe in 2002, and the black and white wingtip shoes which King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys retired as their trademark wardrobe in 2001, although Mark Skirving, Chris Shirley and John Battrum, the last three members of the 1999-2001 lineup retired the black and white spectator shoes in 2002. By 1998, King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys retired the red, yellow (worn by Mark Skirving in the 1990s), light brown, and black (also worn by Mark Skirving in the 1990s) double breasted suit colours. Occasionally, the band perform in casual clothing, such as short-sleeve shirts.
The models and colours of Chris Shirley's trademark electric guitar evolved throughout the band's existence. The first model and colour of his trademark electric guitar was a dark brown Hofner President from 1987 to the early 1990s. The second model and colour of his trademark electric guitar was an orange amberburst Guild X160 from the early 1990s to 2004. The third model and colour of his trademark electric guitar is a natural blonde Gibson L5 since 2004.
In the first several years of John Battrum's King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys alone, he sometimes wore eyeglasses.
As of 2008, King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys' 20th anniversary of its formal establishment, the lineup consists of Gary Barber (as The Enforcer), John Battrum (as Boysey Battrum), Matthew Foundling (as Mighty Matt Foundling), Chris Shirley (as Bullmoose K. Shirley), Mark Skirving (as King Pleasure), and Craig Sunderland (as Shark Van Schtoop).
The first lineup for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys was consisted of Paul Martin, Stephen Page, Pete Prince, Chris Shirley, and Mark Skirving.
Throughout the band's history, a total 22 people, including 16 former members, have performed as members of King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys.

Current members[]

Current members of King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys
Band member	Musical instrument	Tenure	Facts
Mark Skirving (as King Pleasure)	vocals, baritone saxophone (tenor saxophone either scarcely played or absent since 2004)	1986-present	Skirving acquired the vocalist role from Lisa Lee who dropped out in 1990, he later acquired the baritone saxophone role from Paul Martin, who dropped out in 2001, since 2004, he is very popular on the baritone saxophone, either without the tenor saxophone being around or either scarcely played. Since 2004, Skirving lays the down baritone saxophone, and since 2011, has with the lid on the case open, as opposed to being on the stage stand when not played. As with Chris Shirley, Skirving is one of the only founding members remaining since 2001. When not performing with King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys, Skirving since 2003 makes paintings by Skirving Art, established in 1772.
Chris Shirley (as Bullmoose K. Shirley)	guitar (double bass in the first lineup)	1986-present	Chris Shirley was double bassist in the first lineup for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys, he acquired the guitar role in 1987 when Pete Prince departed. As with Mark Skirving, Chris Shirley is one of the only founding members remaining since 2001.
John Battrum (as Boysey Battrum)	tenor saxophone (sometimes played alto saxophone, either absent or scarcely played as of 2023)	1999-present	Preceded by Julian Webster Greaves (served 1997-1999), he acquired the alto saxophone role from Paul Martin, who dropped out in 2001. As of 2023, Battrum is very popular on the tenor saxophone, without the alto saxophone being around or scarcely played. Battrum is the only other musician remaining from the 1999-2001 lineup, which was the last eight-piece lineup.
Craig Sunderland (as Shark Van Schtoop)	double bass	2001-present	Preceded by Al Gare (served 1987-2001), Sunderland officially assumed the double bass role for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys when the King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys became a six-piece lineup. He strangely shares the same birthday as Al Gare, but is seven years younger than Gare.
Matthew Foundling (as Might Matt Foundling)	piano	2006-present	Preceded by Steven Tromans (served 2001-2006), Foundling is the second pianist for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys to feature Craig Sunderland.
Gary Barber (as The Enforcer)	drums	2008-present	Preceded by David Wilkes (served 2001-2008), Barber is the second drummer for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys to feature Craig Sunderland.

Former members[]

Former members of King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys
Former member	Musical instrument	Tenure	Facts
Paul Martin (as P. Popps Martin)	alto and baritone saxophones	1986-2001	Paul Martin was known for one of the founding members of King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys. After he dropped out in 2001, the alto saxophone was passed to John Battrum, and the baritone saxophone was passed passed to Mark Skirving. Martin, who retired from performing music, now resides in the Scottish town of Prestwick, United Kingdom. As with other former members Mr. Allin (also named Paul) and Dean Beresford, he never appeared in the final version of King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys' songs at Birmingham Botanical Gardens on the Teletubbies TV series.
Stephen Page	drums	1986 and 1987	Stephen Page was the first drummer for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys, he was succeeded by Dean Beresford (served 1987-2001). He later became an actor in television, film and theatre.
Peter Prince (as Dixie Prince)	guitar	1986 and 1987	Peter Prince was the guitarist for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys when Chris Shirley was the double bassist in the band's first lineup. After he departed, the guitar was passed to Chris Shirley, and was succeeded by double bassist Al Gare (served 1987-2001).
Lisa Lee (as Sugar Lee)	vocals	1987-1990	Lisa Lee was the first vocalist for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys. After she dropped out, the role was passed to Mark Skirving.
Paul Skan (as Piano Man Skan)	piano	1987-1992	Paul Skan was the first pianist for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys. He departed in 1992 and was succeeded by Danny McCormack (served 1992-2001).
Paul Allin (as Cootie Alexander)	trumpet	1987-1996 (continued occassionally until 1997)	Paul Allin was the first trumpeter for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys, he was succeeded by interim Ray Butcher in 1996 and Mally Baxter (as a regular member). He was the first trumpeter for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys. Although Allin departed King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys as a regular member in 1996, he continued to perform with King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys until 1997. Allin, who retired from performing music to pursue a fishing job, now resides in the English village of Dove Holes, United Kingdom. Paul Allin, a former trumpeter who is now a fisher, was later the creator of Paul's all Vans friends group, founded on 2 December 2022. As with other former members Dean Beresford and Mr. Martin (also named Paul), he never appeared in the final version of King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys' songs at Birmingham Botanical Gardens on the Teletubbies TV series.
Dean Beresford (as Bam Bam Beresford)	drums	1987-2001	Preceded by Stephen Page (served 1986 and 1987), he departed King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys in 2001 with Al Gare and Danny McCormack, succeeded by David Wilkes (served 2001-2008). Alongside Gare and McCormack, Beresford collaborated with other musicians after leaving King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys, Beresford now performs with Richard Hawley. As with other former members Mr. Allin and Mr. Martin (both named Paul), he never appeared in the final version of King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys' songs at Birmingham Botanical Gardens on the Teletubbies TV series.
Al Gare (as Slap Happy)	double bass	1987-2001	Preceded by Pete Prince (served 1986 and 1987), who was guitarist, Al Gare was the first double bassist for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys with Chris Shirley as guitarist. After he departed from King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys in 2001, fellow guitarist Chris Shirley briefly played the double bass until he was succeeded by Craig Sunderland (serving since 2001). Gare departed King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys with Dean Beresford and Danny McCormack in 2001. Alongside Beresford and McCormack, Gare collaborated with other musicians after leaving King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys. He strangely shares the same birthday as Craig Sunderland (as Shark Van Schtoop), but is seven years older than Sunderland. Gare, who later played bass guitar, previously performed with Welsh singer Tom Jones, the late Geoff Beck (a guitarist who died 10 January 2023), Brian Setzter, Imelda May for 15 years, as well as many others. In January 2024, he was introduced to Deke McGee's band, led by Mark "Deke" McGee, a Scottish saxophonist.
Danny McCormack (as Ivory Dan McCormack)	piano	1992-2001	Preceded by Paul Skan (served 1987-1992), McCormack was the pianist for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys throughout the most of the 1990s until he departed King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys in 2001 with Dean Beresford and Al Gare, succeeded by Steven Tromans (served 2001-2006). Alongside Beresford and Gare, McCormack collaborated with other musicians after leaving King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys. He is now an arranger, conductor, and record producer, and choir leader for Rock Choir.
Al Nicholls	tenor saxophone	1992-1994	Al Nicholls, who was an interim for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys in 1991, served as regular member from 1992 to 1994, when he was succeeded by Jonny Boston (served 1994 and 1995). Nicholls was one of the members for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys in the early 1990s.
Jonny Boston (as Jumpin Jonny Boston)	tenor saxophone	1994 and 1995 (continued occasionally until 1998)	Preceded by Al Nicholls (served 1992-1994), Jonny Boston was the tenor saxophonist for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys as a regular member in 1994 and 1995, when he was succeeded by Martin Winning (served 1995-1997). Although Boston left King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys as a regular member in 1995, he continued he continued to perform with King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys until 1998. After leaving King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys, Boston, who later played clarinet, now resides in Hoofddorp, Haarlemmermeer, North Holland, Netherlands, founded three bands of his own, which have evolved, consisting of the Jazzsuits, the quartet featuring three musicians Boston performs with, and the duo featuring one of the three musicians.
Martin Winning	tenor saxophone	1995-1997	Preceded by Jonny Boston (served 1994 and 1995), Martin Winning was the tenor saxophonist in the 1990s until he departed from King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys in 1997, succeeded by (the now late) interim Mike Burney and Julian W. Greaves (as a regular member).
Ray Butcher	trumpet	1996 (interim)	Preceded by regular member Paul Allin (served 1987-1996), succeeded by regular member Mally Baxter (served 1996-2001). Butcher served as the interim trumpeter for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys after Paul Allin departed in 1996.
Mally Baxter	trumpet	1996-2001	Preceded by interim Ray Butcher and Paul Allin (as a regular member), Baxter was the last trumpeter for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys until the role was disestablished, when he dropped out. Years later, the trumpet role was later revived in the expanded lineup, Big Joe Pleasure.
Mike Burney (deceased)	tenor saxophone	1997 (interim)	Preceded by regular member Mart Winning (served 1995-1997), succeeded by regular member Julian Webster Greaves (served 1997-1999). The late Mike Burney served as the interim tenor saxophonist after Martin Winning departed in 1997. Burney, who was notable for his tenure in the early 1970s glam rock band Wizzard, died from cancer on 13 November 2014, one week and five days after his 76th birthday.
Julian Webster Greaves	tenor saxophone	1997-1999	Preceded by (the now late) interim Mike Burney, succeeded by John Battrum (serving since 1999), Greaves was the tenor saxophonist for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys in the late 1990s.
Steven Tromans (as Crab Claw Tromans)	piano	2001-2006	Preceded by Danny McCormack (served 2001-2006), succeeded by Matthew Foundling (serving since 2006), Tromans was the first pianist for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys featuring Craig Sunderland as double bassist until he departed in 2006. Doctor Steven Tromans, in addition to a composer and pianist, is now a philosopher. A Doctor of Philosophy, Dr. Steven Tromans also performs in a trio band of his own, as well as Paul Dunmall Quintet and Ed Gauden's Crux.
David Wilkes (as Dangerous Dave Wilkes)	drums	2001-2008	Preceded by Dean Beresford (served 1987-2001), succeeded by Gary Barber (serving since 2008), Wilkes was the first drummer for King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys featuring Craig Sunderland as double bassist until he departed in 2008. Wilkes now performs for Barron Knights.

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