ANZAC MEMORIES

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20786, 22 April 1939, Page 10

ANZAC MEMORIES

PANTOMIME BY “DIGGERS” MR STANLEY McKAY PRODUCER HAMILTONIANS IN CAST Each year, as ho makes his tonr through New Zealand, Mr Stanley McKay, of the “ Gaieties,” now in Hamilton, renews friendships made with members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, especially those who were associated with him in the pantomime “ 80-peep,” which was staged at Sling Camp, Salisbury Plain. Among the latter is Mr Fred Carolan, of Hamilton, for many years a member of the Hamilton Operatic Society. “ 80-peep,” which was produced by Mr McKay, was played by members of the New Zealand Exped- : itionary Force and the Australian* troops, thus producing a strong “Anzac” flavour. By special request the performance was given on Anzac Day. A souvenir programme issued for the occasion shows that Mr Robert Pollock, advance manager of the j “Gaieties,” played the part of a Wai- ! kato “cockie.” Mr Stan Pritchard, the ■ well-known Auckland baritone, was j cast as “Ngaruawahia, a devil of a , chap.” j Among the chorus were Mr Edwin Dennis, formerly of Hamilton, and Mr [ Carolan. The leader of the orchestra was Mr Dan Mason, who gained fame I as a distance runner at the interAllied games. In addition to acting as producer, Mr McKay made an exceedingly funny “dame.”