‘Radio Times’ back again

Press, 8 September 1982, Page 22

‘Radio Times’ back again

Fans of “Radio Times" will welcome back the fourth series of the show on Saturday (One. 7 p.m.) but will be disappointed to learn that this is the final series. Over the four series of hour-long programmes, just about all the popular songs of the thirties have been used up. A few have even had to be repeated this time around.

“As the series is set so firmly in the thirties we can’t include songs from other eras,” said the producer, Derek Wooster. There will be several new faces in this year’s line-up. The big change this year is the absence of Alita as Bunny Levaux. Since Alita now lives in Australia, her place has been taken by Vicky Haughton, the V of the “VJM” series, and earlier one of the “12 Bar Rhythm ‘n’ Shoes” cast.

Vicky will play the character of Dixie Del Ray — a

vivacious slinky heroine of Latin extraction with a penchant for Jack Callaghan. Taking advantage of her talent as a dancer, Vicky has created a character who dances as well as sings. Each week Dixie will ’demonstrate the latest dance step "for the benefit of the studio audience while the band plays the latest dance tunes for the benefit of the listeners.” Dixie will be partnered by the show’s choreographer, Bruce Harris, and their movements will be followed by Bruce’s troup of dancing girls, known, on “Radio Times,” as the Insteps. The six programmes of “Radio Times” were recorded at the Maidment Theatre in Auckland before a live audience who came dressed in clothes of the period. Among the audience was a dedicated group of fans who turned up every week.