How to Properly Use Your British Accent

Welcome back to session two of British Accents for the Upper Class Twit. Now that you've completed session one you have learned the basics of the British accent: dropping your jaw, the non-rhotic 'r', and loooong vowels, you are ready to move ahead to more specialized dialects. For simplicity, and because Americans can't focus on anything unless there's whizzing lights and loud noises, we will use an example of pop culture to demonstrate each accent.

With so many regional and specific accents around, why can't the English teach their children how to speak? Of course, you've heard this question before. Most likely from Rex Harrison as the original speak-singer, years before William Shatner's Rocketman. He is indeed referring to received pronunciation (also referred to as the King's or Queen's English). This is the accent considered by most to be the standard pronunciation demonstrating middle or upper class standing and a public school education. Think of Queen Elizabeth II speaking (or your favorite impersonator of the Queen; I'm a bit partial to Scott Thompson. Bonus points for you if you get that reference) and this is the accent you will hear: listen for the dropped 'r', 'a' lengthening, and long 'u'. So many of our most cherished celebrities speak the received pronunciation: Julie Andrews (Just a spoonful of sugar!), Christopher Lee, Hugh Grant, Patrick Stewart, and, for the couple of children who might accidentally be reading over their parents shoulder, Emma Watson, Emily Blunt, and Eddie Redmayne. And I would imagine that if you tried a British accent, this would easily be your first attempt.

Before you start complaining about a picture of an empty stage, look more closely. There are a number of clues and hints about what this production has in store for you. Check every corner.

Now, I did mention that Julie Andrews is a fantastic example of the received pronunciation. You can surely hear her charming accent as Mary Poppins. On the other hand, Dick Van Dyke is often mentioned as one of the worst examples of a Cockney accent. For the purposes of you learning the Cockney accent, it's not so bad. He is at least efficient at the basics: hard glottal stop, replacing a soft 'th' with a hard 'v', 'd', or 'f', or dropping 'h' as a first letter. And his character is a great example of the type of person you could expect to use a Cockney accent. Traditionally, the term Cockney refers to residents of the east end of London. Generally, these are the working class men and women, just like some of your favorite musical theatre characters: Dodger and Eliza Doolittle, to name a couple. The Cockney accent will usually give a character instant charm and tell the viewer a lot about their personality. But now it's your chance to channel your inner Dick Van Dyke. Say the following sentence with your loudest and most confident Cockney accent right now; don't think, just do it: "You in a spot of bother, then? You'd better get it sorted like, ain't you? Is everyone staring at you? Good, let's move on.

For a third payment of $49.95, you can extend your journey through the British Isles to explore even more accents. We will take you to Scotland, where Sean Connery's Juan Sanchez-Villalobos Ramirez from the Highlander is one of your best examples; don't put too much thought into the name. Even smaller populations with distinct accents like Manchester (every young girl's dream, Davy Jones!), Liverpool (some guys called...the Beatles?), and Wales (Pam Ferris-made famous as Ms. Trunchbull) are visible in England. You might even go across the Irish Sea where Irish and Northern Irish accents dominate. Well worth your money!

This is all said to show the variance of accents from the British Isles. Even if you didn't know the specific origins of accents, you are probably very familiar with these accents in your favorite theatre productions. And now is your chance to add one more. Because you have successfully proven your interest, you now have the opportunity to view KVTA's production of Matilda: The Musical, directed by Courtney Stephens. If you are at all familiar with this tremendous production, you'll know that there are a bevy of accents to enjoy. Many adults in Matilda's life, both positive and negative, display received pronunciation. However, her parents, the working class, Cockney Wormwoods, are a blight on her life. Listen carefully to Matilda and each of her fellow students, as each has tweaked their accent in a different way. And, of course, listen for Mrs. Wormwood. Does she copy Pam Ferris' Welsh cadence, or does she borrow from another area of the island?

By now, you should feel confident in your British accent. What's that you say? I didn't affect the previous 10 minutes of your life in any meaningful way? Then come to the show for the spectacular set pieces, outstanding characterization, and dynamite dance numbers. For whatever draws you in, make sure to buy your tickets now for the performances at Lincoln Cultural Center on April 11 at 7 pm, April 12 at 2 pm, and April 13, at 2 pm. Select your own seats online at: https://kvta.ludus.com/200456062

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