Voiceover artist goes underground
Posted Thursday, November 29, 2007, 9:16 PM by Lonely Planet
London's tube has been described as creaking, overcrowded and overpriced, but ultimately it serves a purpose; somewhat efficiently, it ferries thousands upon thousands of people around one of the world's most popular cities every day. 
Almost everyone who has lived in or visited London will be familiar with its quirks. Walk into any souvenir store in central London and you'll be able to pick up a mug, tea towel, oven mitt or apron adorned with the iconic phrase: "Mind the Gap".
Along with "all change please", "please note that this train will not stop at the next station" and "thank you for travelling on the central line", "mind the gap" is one of the tube's most-played recorded messages.
Instructing commuters to mind the gap since 1999 has been the soothing voice of British woman, Emma Clarke. This week however Transport for London announced they would not contract her in the future. Contrary to popular belief that this is the result of her spoof voiceovers on her website, TfL claim it's because she has publicly denounced their service saying she hates catching the tube.
Emma Clarke has defended herself and shock horror it seems she's been misrepresented by a journalist from The Mail on Sunday. Oh well - you can decide for yourself: listen to the spoofs or for Londoners living off-shore - make yourself homesick with the real thing.
Labels: Breaking travel news, Europe, Travelsnitch
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3 Comments:
Thanks for that. It really made me smile
I live in New York City. On my morning commute, people push, block the doorway, and huddle like a herd of deeply annoyed, caffeinated sheep when avoiding the poor homeless guy who has spent the night on the train without john access. In most cases, we do not have a soothing Emma-voice to ease the pain of our morning commute. Instead, a static-laden, frustrated train conductor will threaten "Get OUT of the WAY before I CLOSE the doors ON you! And I will, don't you think that I won't!" I recently returned from vacation in London and could not believe the difference that a soothing recording and polite passengers could make! I was also pleasantly surprised by the updates about delays and service ratings. In NYC, a delay means you will be waiting for half an hour, if not more. In London the delay meant a mere 5 minutes! However, my favorite subway experience by far is actually the three line system in Milan. I still get nostalgic for the Italian version of Emma (perhaps her name is Beatrice?) that croons, "Cadorna. Fermata Cadorna." In effect, I say let the Emmas and Beatrices of the world save their sanity and continue to record their announcements on street level. Emma shouldn't be forced to go underground. God forbid she develop a Brooklyn accent.
London is a great city no matter what the others say. I love it and I will always do just like a adore Kenmore Parts!
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