The Extravaganza for 1946 will be foisted on the public of Wellington at the Opera House on Saturday, May 11, and on the following Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Rehearsals of the main show commenced on Anzac Day and owing to the limited time available there will be rehearsals practically every night from now on.

The Extrav. will take the form of two shows, a short one by the one and only John Carrad (who claims it is his swan-song) and the main show by U Biquitous Anon (who has a lot to answer for). The Carrad show "Ocean Going Blues" is in the old tradition and John has collected some of the old lags who graced his shows five or six years ago.

The "Plot" or What Have You

The main show, after a number of false starts, has emerged under the title of "Peter Pansy—A Political Corncake." and boy, is it corny? However, under the capable direction of John McCreary, the show is taking shape and should have the worthy burghers of Wellington in paroxysms of laughter—or tears.

The show starts off with the Electronic Ballet, and not a neutron among them—all with hour-glass figures and they make every second count. Then a couple of hams named Stinkie and Stunkle come forward and say their piece. They are the two components of the Platonic Bomb, so named to please the Hays Office and Mr. de la Mare. From here we are off to the Uno Circus with Windy Bevin, Splittenius and Rushinsky. Splittenius has the Platonic Bomb but Rushinsky has gone one better and mated two atoms to form an [unclear: O[gap — reason: illegible]oman]. The wives of the Shag are a bevy of Eastern Beauties who sing a ditty to the tune of the Egyptian National Anthem, which should bring back fond memories to all the old digs. Finally the Russian Spy Ring in Canada tears off the Platonic Bomb and the Terrible Trio are transported by Peter Pansy to safety in the Never Never Land.

The "Plot" Thickens

Act II opens outside the Royal Soak Hotel with a chorus of barmaids that would drive the most rabid teetotaller to drink. They sing an engaging little ditty. "Time Gentlemen Please" for it is two o'clock on a Saturday afternoon. A group of not-so-sober Councillors are ejected from the pub and after exchanging a few alcoholic puns they are set upon by that staunch opponent of strong drink Mrs. Flox Gilleflower, a "hardy perennial." Proceedings are Interrupted by the arrival of Lord and Lady Mountbetter, who are accorded a reception by the Old Grey Mare Crabapple. However, as Lady Mount-better's stays are short the noble couple depart and the Councillors, Shirkett, Cluckie, Monkey Tight, etc., are set upon by the slum dwellers and vicious characters, including the Wicked Chinee, the Nasty Curate and the Poor Little Woiking Goil. The slum dwellers become very impatient at the Councillors' pious platitudes and blood is about to be shed when the pubs re-open at four o'clock and there is a mad rush for the bar. Peter and Windy re-enter and are joined by

The Biggest Burgher

new Guvna Freybergher. After the latter has sung his little song there enter a number of obstreperous housewives out for the blood of the Mare. Peter attempts to serve them but he is impotent and the act ends with the Housewives hot on the trail of the Mare.

With Act III we are in the Never Never Land where the Lost Boys are bemoaning the loss of their Parliamentary seats through the readjustment of the Electoral Boundaries. Among them is Broadbottom the sitting member for Waitomo. Enter the Uno trio escorted by Peter.

Peter calls on Sir Shamus Stretcher to erect a pre-fabricated house for the benefit of the Big Three. This house—plus outhouse—is a tribute to the properties men and to the architects. Neigh Snorting and Dung. But things are interrupted by the rapid approach of the Opposition. Sidook of Holland and his Pirates together with the Associated Chamber of Horrors. Peter, the Uno trio and Sir Shamus take refuge in the house where they are beseiged by the Pirates. In the midst of the battle Stinkle and Stunkle appear and finish things off with the Platonic Bomb. From here the show builds up to an exciting climax but to release the whole plot would be to spoil the show.

Well there's the dope. Any similarity between "Peter Pansy" and "Peter Pan" is not the fault of the authors. Any semblance of a plot is purely accidental, hut producer McCreary thinks it'll make you laugh and so do we.

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Sweat Without Tears

Despite the fact that he has braved the dangers of four Extrav. rehearsals to date, your reporter is unable to vouchsafe more particulars than the following: The producer is hoarse; actors intimidated; extras enthusiastic but non-committal; everybody incredibly active, satisfactorily noisy, and completely inarticulate concerning progress. Suffice it to say that appearances indicate that this year's rehearsals are progressing with as much co-operation and promise as last year or any other year. As far as promptness and enthusiasm are concerned the Extrav. cast leaves little to be desired, and it will he the fault of neither the cast nor the producer if Extrav. does not meet with the support it has merited and received in days gone by.