Salient. The Newspaper of Victoria University College. Vol. 19, No. 7. June 16, 1955

Successful Extrav. Visits Hastings

Successful Extrav. Visits Hastings

A Cheque for nearly £200 was handed to the chairman of the new Hastings YMCA by the president of the VUC Students' Association on June 6, marking the climax of the most spectacularly successful Extravaganza season in recent years. TWO performances at the Hastings Municipal Theatre with proceeds to charity followed a heavily-booked five-night run in the Opera House here.

Pungent Script

The script, written by Jim Hutchison, Gavin Loe et al., was fast-moving and topical, pungent and humorous; it reminded old-timers of the brilliant pre-war efforts of Ron Meek who set a standard for modern Extravs. Produced by Bill Sheat, whose capabilities and experience once more proved invaluable, and performed by a cast of high and even quality. Extrav. '55 could hardly fail to impress.

  • Said Premier S.G. ("I'm really a wonderful guy") Holland: "I thought I played my part very well."
  • Said producer Sheat: "It was a lousey show!"
  • Said composer Richard Rogers. "The music was familiar."

Local colour was introduced to the show in script changes before the Hastings tour; a prominent person of the district in income tax troubles and a well-known antiaquafluoridationist received their share of the borax. Both hero and in Hastings Extrav. was in keeping with the words of the recitative to the final chorus:

"Everything that happens is the year is lampooned in Extrav......"

Wellington Success

The Wellington season was a financial success as well as an outstanding hit with the public; in as much as the quality of each Extrav. greatly affects the following year's bookings, this year's box-office success undoubtedly owed much to the reputation of last year's. And by the same token, given a certain amount of luck we can be assured of an even better run next year. The "House Full" sign was out for the last two performances at the Opera House, and Extrav. controllers felt that another two nights would have met the same enthusiastic response from the public. It is to be hoped that next year the Opera House may be available for a seven-night season—Saturday to Saturday.

Hastings Trip

Both the Hastings performances were honoured with the patronage of the Emperor of Patagonia and his entourage; after the Saturday performance the emperor conferred honours on the mayors of Napier. Havelock North, and last but not least—Hastings.

Hospital Show

On Sunday morning an abridged version of Extrav. without costume or scenery, was 'presented on the lawn of the Hastings Memorial Hospital for patients and staff. A recording of the show was taken at the theatre, and was played over the carphone system at the hospital for those unable to see the Sunday morning performance.

Trip Invaluable

The success, financial and otherwise, of the Hastings tour warrants consideration of more such tours in the future. From a public relations viewpoint the trip was invaluable; it gave Extrav. personnel a far greater experience of the trials and tribulations—as well as the pleasures—of a touring show; and it provided Extravvers with a stimulus and reward comparable with the Varsity sportsman's Tournament trip.