The Kiwi Concert Party was a group of New Zealand entertainers. They were originally called N.Z. Entertainment Unit, formed in 1941 within the 2nd N.Z. Expeditionary Force.[1] After World War II, the troupe toured New Zealand and Australia.[2]

Terry Vaughan was approached to take over directorship of this touring party and he acquiesced on the condition that he would have full hire-and-fire powers. Vaughan selected musicians from both Concert Party groups to form a big band (reeds, trumpets, trombones and rhythm section – no string section, but two musicians who doubled on violin)

Under the name of the New Zealand Kiwis, the group embarked to Brisbane in early April 1946 after a two-week warm-up season at His Majesty’s Theatre in Auckland. The Kiwis toured through Australia and New Zealand until 1954, including playing over two years at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne.[3] The revues included acts from female impersonators (including John Hunter), singers and comedians.

Select shows

  • Alamein (1946)[4]
  • Tripoli (1946)
  • Benghazi (1946)
  • Medley (1948)
  • Cassino (1952)
  • Now Is the Hour (1953)

References

  1. ↑ Jock Phillips. 'Kiwi - A kiwi country: 1930s–2000s', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 5-May-15 URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/music/10195/kiwi-concert-party
  2. ↑ "Variety (December 1947)". Archive.org. Retrieved 2016-03-30.
  3. ↑ "Musicians at War: The Kiwi Concert Party in World War II - AudioCulture". www.audioculture.co.nz. Retrieved 2019-12-26.
  4. ↑ "KIWIS REVUE COMPANY MAKES A HIT". The Argus (Melbourne). No. 31, 299. Victoria, Australia. 23 December 1946. p. 4. Retrieved 16 September 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
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