“ US pop star Lady Gaga has taken on a track known best
to Aussies as the opening theme to the iconic comedy series Kath & Kim.
The song, originally written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley for the 1964 stage musical The Roar
Of The Greasepaint - The Smell Of The Crowd, is performed
by Gaga for her film Joker: Folie à Deux.
To most Australians, it is the bold and brassy version sung by Gina Riley, who
also plays Kimberly Diane 'Kim' Craig (née
Day) in the legendary comedy.
Before being immortalised in to the fabric of Australian pop culture, thanks to Gina's rendition, the song had been covered by the likes of Shirley
Bassey in 1968 and Sammy Davis Jr in 1965.
And now, the Born This Way hitmaker has taken a stab at the track
- with the results markedly different to the brassy feel of the Kath &
Kim version.
Gaga's take, which also features on her new album Harlequin,
is a much more stripped back that builds to a crescendo thanks to rocking
guitars.
Speaking to Today Extra about the track, Kath & Kim star Peter Rowsthorn joked that he was 'constantly'
hounded by the US pop star regarding the track.
'She's constantly calling me, so I know she's a big fan,' Pete, who play's Kim's on-again-off-again husband Brett in the series, said.
US pop star Lady Gaga has taken on a track known best to Aussies as the theme tune to the iconic comedy series
Kath & Kim for her film Joker: Folie à Deux
'I said to Gaga, "If you want to do it, it's up to you. I'm the fifth banana in this thing".'
Peter went on to mention that he did have a favourite between the two renditions.
'I believe the Gina Riley version, or the "Kim" version, is the
better version.'
The Today Show posted a short clip featuring the Gaga's version over the
Kath and Kim title sequence to Instagram and viewers were quick to
issue their shock at the surprising cover version.
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To most Australians, it is the bold and brassy version sung by Gina Riley (left), who also plays Kim Craig in the legendary comedy.
Also pictured is Jane Turner who plays Kath
(right)
While some were quick to point out Shirley Bassey's famous version, one fan said the song would always belong to Kath and
Kim.
'Who cares about Shirley it's iconic because it's the Kath
and Kim theme song,' they wrote.
'I cannot take Gaga seriously with this song hahahaha.'
Another did not hold back in their criticism of the Poke Face singer with: 'Totally sucks.
Another flop of an album from Gaga. She'll
probably ruin joker sequel too.'
The Born This Way hitmaker has taken a stab
at the track and the results are markedly different to the brassy feel of the Kath & Kim version
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Kath & Kim, written and performed by Gina Riley and Jane Turner, ran on the ABC across
three seasons from 2002 to 2005.
The lauded sit-com which also starred Magda Szubanski, Glenn Robbins and Peter Rowsthorn went on to become
one of Australia's most beloved comedies.
The hit comedy also boasted a litany of high-profile guest stars including Kylie Minogue, Little
Britain's Matt Lucas, Eric Bana, and cricket icon Shane Warne.
Gaga, whose birth name is Stefani Germanotta, stars as Harley
opposite Joaquin's Joker in the psychological thriller musical.
However, the musical has received mixed reviews from
critics, while fans took to social media
to claim that the songstress is at risk of losing her acting career.
Speaking to Today Extra about the track, Kath & Kim star Peter
Rowsthorn revealed he was being 'constantly hounded by the US pop star while
admitting he had a clear favourite
Lady GagaShirley Bassey ”