N.Z. SATIRE IN MAKING

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33959, 27 September 1975, Page 5

N.Z. SATIRE IN MAKING

A New Zealand satirical comedy show is in TV2’s pipeline. It is being designed to star Auckland’s Derek Payne and Christchurch’s David McPhail. A pilot programme will be i shown on New Year’s Eve.

Both are capable of being competent funnymen, but the success of., the pilot, and hence the chances of it becoming a popular series, depends just as much on lively and topical scripts. No-one is more conscious of this than the producer John Carlaw, of TV2 in Auckland, who is just back from a two-week visit to Britain. While there, he had talks with several New Zealand script-writers working in London who had agreed to submit scripts. One was Dean Parker, who had recently gone to Britain and

who was familiar with the New Zealand scene. “There is a pile of scripts on my desk waiting to be read,” said John Carlaw yesterday. “And some scripts we have requested are still being written.” WITH MUSIC He said the basic format of the show would be comedy plus music along the style of “Sez Les” or “The ]Two Ronnies.” ] There will be a series of ! sketches in each episode and \ Derek Payne and David I McPhail will feature along :with supporting actors. There could also be contri- ] buttons from overseas enteri tainers. BEHIND TELETHON John Carlaw was the man who master-minded TV2’s [epic telethon show. David McPhail will be remembered for a series of excellent satirical sketches in the old N.Z.B.C. days in Christchurch — until the grey aunts in the corporation hierarchy clobbered the first brave attemtps at homegrown satire.

David has been busy recently as producer of TV2’s pop show, “Norman.” I Derek Payne, who collaborated with David McPhail in| the old days, has not exactly! been given the opportunity] by TV2 to demonstrate his forte for satirical social comment, but the programme at present being planned could well be his big opportunity. He has fronted “Points of View” and “Sunday Special.” NO GUIDELINES One problem with a homegrown satirical programme is that there are no established guidelines. This means that the producer does not know for certain what view-j ers will find entertaining. However everyone associ-j ated with the programme is well aware that topicality is essential in satire.

The pilot will probably be recorded in December in Auckland, but if it becomes a series the producer has plans to record some of the content in Christchurch as well.