ONLY WOMAN IN SHOW

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30231, 9 September 1963, Page 2

ONLY WOMAN IN SHOW

Miss Eunice McGowan

Mass Eunice McGowan, the only Australian and the only woman in the visiting "Whote Heather Show,” is quite at home among the Scots. "Both my parents were bom in Glasgow, the Gaelic blood is strong in my veins and I have always had a feeling for Scottish songs,” she said last evening. Welil known throughout Australia for her leading soprano roles in the Elizabethan Opera Company and television appearances, Miss McGowan began her career in a wheel-chair. When she was recuperating from a serious illness at the age of 14, she was taken to a Melbourne radio show to hear a programme of community singing. “The conductor apparently noticed me singing my heart out from my wheel-chair and invited me to sing to the audience. I'd had no train-

ing, but he asked afterwards if he could teach me singing, arid he happened to be one of Australia’s best teachers.” she said. “I have been singing ever since.” In the present show she sings Scottish and musical comedy numbers, wearing magnificent evening gowns specially designed for her in Melbourne. Miss McGowan, who is married with a six-year-old daughter, recently became interested in yoga. ‘‘Ait the present time I am only up to the glandular exercises, but I intend to study it extensively, though I don’t propose to go on to the trance stage. I believe yoga is the answer to many things. On this tour it has kept me fit and relaxed,” Miss McGowan said. The 1963 “White Heather Show” will open its Christchurch season at the Civic Theatre this evening.