‘Pink Bits’ theatre

Press, 6 July 1985, Page 8

‘Pink Bits’ theatre

“Pink Bits,” presented by Steve Thomas and Paul Hutchins at the Lyttelton Harbourlight theatre restaurant at 8 p.m., July 5 and 6 and 12 and 13. Running time: two hours. Reviewed by Stephen Quinn. What a pity people do not venture out on cold winter nights, because they risk missing delights like that presented last evening at the Harbourlight theatre restaurant. The audience was small and the night was cold but events soon hotted up last evening. Steve Thomas, a poet, and Paul Hutchins, flautist, combined in a raucous, racy and sometimes risque display of verbal pyrotechnics that had everyone flushed with enjoyment. This is theatre restaurant entertainment at its best. Some may suggest that that is not saying much, considering the dearth of such entertainment in this city. Perhaps that is a reflection on the boring perspectives of those who present live theatre in Christchurch. Regardless of one’s expectations, this is worth-whilft. theatre. -Mp

It is witty, punchy, and full of life. Most of the credit must go to the performers, though the organisers deserve consideration for their willingness to risk such an undertaking. The format is refreshingly simple: patrons are served a meal while Thomas delivers his verbal barrages, with Hutchins in support on flute. The food is good, the poetry even better. It is not your academic poetry preserved in the sterility of a textbook. It is live performance, all sweat and sarcasm, with the poet involved in his art. Mr Thomas’s' subjects are varied and tasty, much like the food presented. And like the menu, there is something for everyone. Vegetarian vol au vents are available for non-meat eaters; varied costumes are donned for those who like their poetry presented like circus performances. It is a new rendition of the concept of bread and circuses — pate and poetry. It is not your usual poetic presentation, with the Muse

mumbling behind a microphone. Mr, Thomas attacks and cajoles, his language a collection of confusion and mayhem which somehow seems right because of the beauty of the imagery. His costumes are perhaps worthy of note if only because they present the only tangible explanation of the title of the evening. After the interval Mr Thomas appears in a battered and holey swimming costume, presenting at times several “pink bits” of flesh. His companion is more discreet, content to present some marvellous music on flute and tin whistle. The duo are perhaps at their best when performing together. The flute music has a language of its own, conjuring images of colourful sunsets and the musician’s beloved stained glass windows. It would have been nice to have heard more of the music. It seems only four performances will be made available this month. It is worth the journey into the cold night to Lyttelton to see the|fi.

American Field Scholarship students examine a shoe (geta) which was part of the traditional Japanese dress worn by Tomoko Nakagawa (second left), aged 18, to an afternoon tea given by the Mayor of Christchurch, Sir Hamish Hay, yesterday. From left are Andrew Rowson, aged 17, of Papanui High School; Miss Nakagawa, who attends Cashmere High School; Nirala Lafir, aged 18, of Sri Lanka, who is at Ellesmere College; and Naomi Kido, aged 17, of Japan, a pupil at Rangi Ruru Girls* School.