‘Les Girls’ are popular

Press, 18 June 1982, Page 4

‘Les Girls’ are popular

By

JOHN DURNING

“Grab your hats, girls, we are going to have our photos taken — make it something lavish!" To anyone standing in the lounge bar of the Carlton Hotel yesterday afternoon the five persons clustered in front of the photographer surrounded : by ostrich feathers looked . likes, show girls'rehearsing. X' . Few .wbuldjhave taOn .the troupe’as the members of "Les Girls.All-Male 'Revue” which is in' Christchurch'as part of a New Zealand tour. In fact, Amber Lee, dressed in. knee-high boots, black cords, and sweater would have turned many a male head if she walked through Cathedral Square at lunch time. “Les Girls” started in Syd-

ney 20 years ago. and although termed an all-male revue, it was the only thing masculine in sight yesterday.

The make-up may have been slightly excessive, and the dulcet tones that crossed the room may have sounded a little strange, but the nail polish, rings, coiffures, and mannerisms were feminine,“God,: I feel tired." , “I want. to.wash my Hair,” "I would love some fish and.'chips.” ■ - 1 "Not for me, I’m watching my weight” were some of the comments passed while the girls supped a cup of tea. 1 , “What a . great pot for making tea. I would love one at home," said Carlotta, one of the original “Les Girls” cast, who acts as producer, director, choreographer, cos-

tume designer, and compere. The revue has just finished a "very successful” season in Auckland and'has started a four-night run in Christchurch. “We arrived at the airport this morning and the people who were to pick us up thought that all the luggage we had were a few suitcases," Carlotta said. - “When they" realised, we had three -'tqnnes of equipment including , t costumes' they had to get a?: truck- sent out to get everything into town.” j. i “Les Girls” is'a twortier’ organisation. One company is. permanently based in King's Cross while an identical show, “Roadshow International,” has* been travelling .throughout Australia ~and New Zealand.. “This is the” first, time we

have toured outside Australia. Other ‘groups using Our name have made tours, but this is the original ‘Les Girls,! ” Carlotta said. “We were amazed at the reception we* received in Auckland, and hope the rest of the tour is as successful." The show is the result of 12 months planning and rehearsal, plus-, $400,000 worth of stage design and lighting. The costumes alone have cost more-than $lOO,OOO. The show is described as a mixture of vaudeville, comedy, and glamour with certain adaptations for the New Zealand section of the tour. “Audiences seem to love the sketches we do involving Mr Muldoon.” Carlotta said. “If you get the chance, come along and have a look. It’s a show you won’t forget.”