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Salient: Victoria University Students' Paper. Vol. 25, No. 5. 1962.

Extravaganza, 1962

Extravaganza, 1962

For several weeks now strange noises have been issuing from the Common Common Room. We can assure you that there is no need for alarm. It's just Extrav. at it for another year, with "The Twister" playing in the Oppera House from May 9 to 19. Extrav. has finally got back to "the good old days" of straight political satire, with everything in sight being thrown at the Government—and those nice men associated with it. The theme this year, in so far as Extrav. ever has a theme, is Nelson, Nelson, Nelson. We follow the fortunes of our hero Wisdom Makepeace as he tries to get a fair deal for Nelson per medium of an atomic fuel which he hopes to sell to a shady character called Keith Holysmoke, so that industry can at last come to Nelson. Keith, however, has been at this game a bit longer than Wisdom, and things get rather rough for the innocent young boy from the country. His mission is not aided by the activities of two Russian spies (Tanya and Igor), who want his formula to present to Big Brother. After much nonsense, including a trip to the moon, everything turns out well for Wisdom and Nelson. Keith together with other rogues, is safely disposed of. This is as much as we can tell you about the plot, for two reasons: (1) if you learn too much you won't turn up to the performances (2) we're not too sure ourselves vet exactly what is going to happen. We don't think the author knows either.

Speaking of the author, we understand that he is Paul Spender. However, as Paul is receiving large quantities of completely free, and often useless, advice, he is not too sure of his actual position. After the author, or level with him we have the producer, who once again is Jeff Stewart. Jeff has done excellent work with a young and inexperienced cast and he has moulded them into a very competent Company. Apart from producing the show, Jeff has also written nearly all the lyrics, which is no mean feat in this, the singiest Extrav. for years. The keeness of our small cast has helped ease some (only some!) of Jeff's worries. The cast has worked well on a funny, political script and the quality of their work makes up for the lack of quantity in their numbers. Few of last year's cast have returned, but we once again have the benefit of Margot Sutherland's ability and experience. She is ably supported by Tom Huppert and John Koolman. Amongst newcomers to Extrav. we have Barrie Travis, Diane Cornish, Dianne Bradley, Rachel Holmes and John Metekingi. They are aided by a first-class chorus line which sings Jeff's songs with typical Extrav. enthusiasm. Then, of course, we have the inevitable Male Ballet, under the expert tuition of Jane Maddox. It is quite amazing that in a few weeks Jane has been able to turn a group of husky students into simpering nymphs that will make Fonteyn wish she wasn't dancing across the road during our season. On the technical side we have that large group of heroes who work hard and get little limelight for their efforts. In the van of this group is Hugh Campbell, our stage manager. He is looking for an analyst to visit after the show. At present he hasn't got time to visit anyone. However, a stage manager is nothing without a stage crew, and Hugh has a good one.

Next on our list of songs is the wardrobe mistress, Jeannette Stratmore. She held out for a while but finally capitulated to the lure of another Extrav. It is only fair that the technical people should be mentioned, as they so often are taken for granted, even by those connected with the show.

Organisationwise Extrav is very small. This, we feel, is all too the good. In past years too many people have taken too long to do too little. At time of writing we think that this has been rectified. We hope we aren't proved wrong!

"The Twister" will be one of the better Extravs that the Students' Association has given to the Wellington public. The financial success of the show depends on so many unpredictables that he would be a brave man who attempted to make a forecast in this direction Unfortunately Wellington has been saturated with good shows in recent months, and the Royal Ballet Company has a three night season in the St. James at the same time as Extrav. is playing in the Opera House.

Consequently, we cannot say how well we will do as regards money, but we can assure all students that it a loss eventuates it cannot be laid at the door of the show's quality. This is not just an advertising spiel, it is straight fact. So if you want to enjoy a night of really good entertainment in the old Extrav. tradition, turn up to the Opera House between 9th and 19th May. The prices are the same as last year: 10/-, 7/6, and 4/-. Bookings can be made at the D.I.C. from Tuesday 1st May, but prebookings are subject to a small booking fee of 3d.

Make sure you don't miss "The Twister"; if you do you will regret missing a good Extrav.