Carrad's Swan Song

Sharing Extrav. evenings and the public accolade with "Peter Pansy" will be "Ocean Going Blues," a one act show by John Carrad. Responsible for many a laudable production in the past, Mr. Carrad has turned out a show destined to stand with the best of his previous epics—a worthy supplement to the main attraction in the best Carrad tradition.

The part of Fletcher Christian Junior will be played by Paul Taylor, whose fine voice has been heard in many past shows and has made many a bobby soxer swoon in the aisles. Paul will sing some brand-new Carrad tunes which promise to become VUC favourites for many years to come, as have so many of his other melodies such as "Treasure Trove," "South Pacific Seas," "Caroline Bay" and "Wave a Handkerchief." Bruce Drummond. Sweet little Evelyn Drew in "The Dinkum Oil" in 1939, will play Tillie Tosshak, "an appealing type," a dewy eyed young thing who has more of what it takes than any of the signorinas on the Via Nazionale. Peter Mitchell. Scarlet O'Hokanui in "Gone With The Wind Up" in 1941, will play Sherlock Holmes, the "Dinkum Doyle." Orm Creed is signed up to out-Laughton Laughton as Captain Bligh, and there will be some of the original High-Steppers among the South Sea Belles who are being drilled by Moira Wicks, who was responsible for the outstanding Can-Can in "Gone With The Wind Up." All in all it should come up to the expectations of the most ardent Carradophile.

John McCreary—Miracles with the Script

"This Is My Swan Song"

With these words John Carrad announces his intention of bringing to a close a long series of successful Extrav interludes. He began this series in 1936 with "Intermission in Eternity." His catchy tunes, with a flavour of the latest song hit, Paul Taylor's attractive voice, and the elephantine gyrations of the male ballet delighted the audience.

"Daze Bay Nights" came next, followed in 1938 by "Port. Nick Iniquity." Then came "The Dinkum Oil" in 1939. "You Can't Pick a Winner" in 1940, and "Gone With The Wind Up" in 1941. This year the old-timers will have a final flourish in "Ocean Going Blues."

Progress Report

Hot on the trail of Extrav's. erstwhile producer, John McCreary, "Salient's" reporters discovered him wearing a check sports-coat, a harrassed expression, and himself away with worry.

Having penetrated the rather resistant veil of his withdrawal (which presented those curious features, already familiar to those having any acquaintance with producers in general) they succeeded in withstanding his wrath until they had obtained the following pertinent information: so far the progress or rehearsals has been eminently satisfactory, although at this writing there are still a few vacancies in the cast (both sexes), especially (sic!) vicious characters. (If in doubt, please refer to script.)

Wardrobe mistress has no complaints to make as she is receiving plenty of assistance both permanent and intermittent, manual and material. Two big sombreros are still needed, however, also (of particular importance) costumes of the United Nations.

All desirable assistance has been forthcoming for the conception, erection and decoration of the various props; enthusiasm has been high and heartening; no room for complaints in this direction either, but the one remaining requirement is (of all things!) a rickshaw; if such a vehicle is not forthcoming the property manager will be glad of the loan of a pair of bicycle wheels with which to devise a suitable facsimile thereof, and will even go so far as to pay for insurance if the owner has fears for the safety of his property (It would be best to inshaw them in case they are accidentally ricked.)