KIWI CONCERT PARTY

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24258, 16 May 1944, Page 2

KIWI CONCERT PARTY

♦— — FIRST PERFORMANCE IN ITALY (N.Z.E.F. Official News Service) N.Z. DIVISIONAL HDQRS., May 13. After well-earned leave, and a successful tour of New Zealand, the Kiwi Concert Party is back again with its division. In spite of some new faces it is still the same nonstop show, with the same driving spirit which has royally entertained members of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force in Crete. Egypt, Syria, and Tripolitania. Fears that the loss of some of the original members, who were debarred on physical grounds from returning overseas, might have affected performances were proved false yesterday afternoon when the party presented its first performance to the division in Italy. The current show met a most enthusiastic reception from, a large audience, which included General Freyberg and his staff. The theatre was a typical divisional creation. When the curtain rose on the stage, skilfully constructed of treetrunks as well as sawn timber, a green sloping bank was thronged with lightly clad New Zealanders. The weather was perfect for the occasion, with bright sunshine. No fewer than nine of the old party renewed acquaintance with the divisional audience. y In addition, there were some popular new performers. As before the party is completely mobile, self-contained, and well equipped for the task Of entertaining the troops only a few miles from the front lines.