[00:10.50]Who made the only funny joke that evening and why? [00:16.68]People will do anything to see a free show--even if it is a bad one. [00:24.43]When the news got round that a comedy show would be presented [00:29.24]at our local cinema by the P. and U. Bird Seed Company, we all rushed to see it. [00:37.11]We had to queue for hours to get in and there must have been several hundred people present just before the show began. [00:47.17]Unfortunately, the show was one of the dullest we have ever seen. [00:53.40]Those who failed to get in need not have felt disappointed, [00:59.06]as many of the artistes who should have appeared did not come. [01:04.69]The only funny things we heard that evening came from the advertiser at the beginning of the programme. [01:12.81]He was obviously very nervous and for some minutes stood awkwardly before the microphone. [01:21.18]As soon as he opened his mouth, everyone burst out laughing. [01:27.76]We all know what the poor man should have said, [01:31.48]but what he actually said was: 'This is the Poo and Ee Seed Bird Company. Good ladies, evening and gentlemen!' 人们总要想尽办法看不花钱的演出——哪怕是拙劣的演出。当“皮尤”鸟食公司将在我们当地影院演出喜剧节目的消息传开后，我们都赶紧跑去观看。我们不得不排了好几个小时才进得场去。在演出开始前场内肯定已有好几百人了。不幸的是，这次演出是我们看过的最乏味的演出了。那些没能进到场内的人没有必要感到失望，因为很多应该出场的专业演员都没有来。那天晚上唯一有趣的事情是节目开始时那个报幕员的开场白。他显然非常紧张，局促不安地在麦克风前站了好几分钟。但他刚一开口说话，人们便哄堂大笑起来。我们都明白那个可怜的人应该说些什么，而他实际说的却是：“这是‘浦伊’鸟食公司，好女士们，晚上和先生们!”