Super Mario may be a dirty commie who changed his name, but his tale of power and glory as waged against the hapless mushroom-and-turtle forces of King Koopa makes for one hilarious live talent show act.

Seriously, one of the funniest stage sketches I’ve seen in years. The

music makes the difference. Don’t blink the first time he enounters a

turtle shell.

Speaking of the music, the London Symphony Orchestra did a five-minute orchestral rendition of the original Super Mario soundtrack. Surreal (and a little lounge-ish) to say the least, but worth a listen.