Bananarama & Lananeeneenoonoo – Help

Released in 1989, “Help” was a charity single recorded by Bananarama in collaboration with comedy trio Lananeeneenoonoo—Kathy Burke, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders—for the BBC’s Comic Relief appeal. A lively cover of The Beatles’ 1965 classic, the song combined Bananarama’s polished pop style with the comedians’ playful humour, creating a light-hearted recording that successfully raised money for charitable causes while celebrating one of Britain’s most iconic songs.

The recording stays true to the spirit of the original while giving it a distinctly late-1980s makeover. Bright synthesisers, punchy drums and energetic production provide a modern backdrop, while the shared vocals between Bananarama and Lananeeneenoonoo add plenty of personality and comic charm. The contrast between Bananarama’s smooth harmonies and the deliberately tongue-in-cheek contributions from the comedians gives the song a fun, infectious quality without losing the strength of the original melody. The accompanying promotional video reflected the same playful approach, embracing the humour that had become synonymous with Comic Relief.

“Help” demonstrated how pop music and comedy could come together to support an important cause, with all proceeds benefiting Comic Relief’s work in the UK and overseas. The collaboration remains one of the most memorable charity singles of the late 1980s, capturing the goodwill and optimism of the event while showcasing the willingness of major artists to support fundraising initiatives. Today, it is remembered as an entertaining and nostalgic release that blended classic songwriting, comedy and pop in a uniquely British way, while highlighting the enduring appeal of both Bananarama and The Beatles’ timeless composition.

The song peaked at No. 03 in the UK Singles Chart on 11th March 1989.