Extrav Lives Again

O Extravaganza! is the title of the Extrav revival on July 17, and Roger Hall has joined the notable list of writers and performers taking part.

Playwright Roger Hall (Glide Time, Middle Age Spread, etc) was keenly involved with Extrav during his time at Vic in the 60s, and has jumped at the chance to join in the revival. He is writing original material and will also appear on stage.

This descendant of the old capping revues is in three sections. The Dark Ages, under the direction of Bill Sheat, will recycle some of the treasures from Extrav's glorious past. The Middle Ages will revive some characters from Extrav history in new material, under the guidance of George Andrews. The New Age is nearly all new; but Deirdre Tarrant plans to revisit some dance classics.

Roger Hall was already well known as both a writer and performer in Wellington in the 60s, when he received a last-minute request to produce an Extrav — the original plans had fallen through.

The result was One in Five. "Because of the short notice it had to be a show with a small cast, just five members," he said. "I wrote most of it and performed it with John Clarke, Dave Smith, Cathy Downes and Steve Whitehouse. "It turned out to be very successful, and ran for three seasons."

Asked whether it was true that Extravs tended to be in dubious taste, Hall said: "That was one of its points."

"This was before TV, and these were the only outlets for satirical stuff, where we could be rude and use the odd swear word. Now there's no point in doing that sort of thing, because people can see it any time on TV and in films."

Roger Hall is planning to write two sketches, and perform in them. His stage appearance is a rare event these days.

Hunter Revived

On Monday May 31, the Hunter building was open for business again, after nearly 15 years as an empty earthquake risk.

Extensive rebuilding to strengthen the handsome building has been completed, and most of the University administration has moved in.

Entry is through the main steps on the eastern (city) side of the building, and an information desk will be found immediately inside the door.

The Alumni Relations Centre is on Level Three.

After the Robert Stout Building has been renovated a glass atrium will be built to link Stout and Hunter at three levels, and another entrance will be provided from the Kelburn Parade side of the complex.

From the President

Greetings!

Professor Graeme Fogelberg, Director of the Graduate School of Business and Government Management, Wendy McPhail, newly elected President of the GSBGM Chapter of the Alumni Association, VUWAA President Beverley Wakem, and Sir Michael Fay, Vice-Patron of VUWAA. Speaking at the GSBGM Chapter launch Sir Michael stressed the need in business for that fourth 'M', after (wo)men, money, machines. His extra ingredient: magic.

On Thursday, 20 May, we welcomed into existence the Graduate School of Business & Government Management Chapter of the Victoria University of Wellington Alumni Association. When we launched the association last September, we expressed the hope that it would evolve to meet the needs of its members in the widest sense, as well as the specific interests of particular faculty-based groups. We now have nearly 1,600 financial members, with 3,352 complimentary members (new graduates). There is interest in establishing branches outside Wellington, as well as in the countries from which we've drawn many of our students in past years.

The Association has supported the University in holding functions in Malaysia, Singapore and Australia, and there is widespread and warm interest in these countries in establishing links with the Association. And London alumni have expressed interest in hosting functions there.

We welcomed our 1928 Rhodes Scholar John Platts-Mills QC to Wellington in January, and are delighted that in this Women's Suffrage centennial year law honours student Justine Munro will take up a 1993 Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford in July.

A strong and vital Alumni Association can contribute significantly to debate on these issues in support of the University.

On a less serious note – you will find in this issue information about a range of activities taking place at the University to which all members are cordially invited. The list is by no means exhaustive and illustrates some of what is available. The highlight of the Alumni Association supported events will undoubtedly be the Extrav reunion in July.

Make a diary note now!

We look forward to seeing you on campus.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Alumni Association will take place on Thursday, June 24, at 5.30pm in the Functions Room, VUW Staff Club, in the Rankine Brown building.

Guest speaker: Justine Munro, 1993 Rhodes Scholar.

The Agenda will include proposed changes to the constitution to facilitate the establishment of Chapters and Branches of the Association.

Reunion

O Extravaganza!

Rumour has several famous names making cameo appearances in O Extravaganza! Sir Geoffrey Palmer is expected to blow his trumpet. John Clarke may return. Roger Hall said the chance to get on the boards again was one reason why he was keen to take part. The other main reason was the opportunity to meet up with his colleagues from the good old days.

1954 Marsqueraid:

Dave Crowe as Prime Minister Sydney Holland woos Electra - the electorate, aka Bill Sheat. Dave Crowe is the father of cricketers Martin and Jeff.

Looking through old programmes for Extrav reveals a remarkable number of names now well known. John Fernyhough was sales manager and a member of the male ballet in 1957; cartoonist/scientist Bob Brockie was production designer for The Paye Off; Barbara Ewing did sound effects.

For Extravaganza 67 the producer was Bill Sheat, writers were Roger Hall and Steve Whitehouse, choreography was by Deirdre Tarrant and the programme was the work of Hugh Rennie.

The student magazine Spike in 1959 included a letter from one R E Jones expostulating against the executive's decision to spend £400 at an advertising agency to promote the show. Jones demanded some "Original Thinking. (This is not only effective but free)".

Also appearing in the programme credits are names like Keith Holyoake and Anita Ekberg, but there are doubts as to their authenticity.

One cast list for the male ballet gave a few names and added: "The other members of the ballet are worried about their reputations and desire to remain anonymous."

Nostalgia Train

George Andrews and fellow veteran Murray Gray are organising an all day "Nostalgia train trip" to Wellington on Friday July 16 for Auckland Extrav survivors. They plan to use the time creatively to rehearse their Extrav contributions – including the revival of some durable characters.

L to R: Planning to reunite at O Extravanganza! are the Green Onions team from 1967: Sharyn Kiddle (now in London), Stephanie Tarrant (from Brisbane), Bobbi Menzies, Pru Meyer, and - if we can find her - Paddy Stephens.