History of Club Entertainment
Well known entertainer Mark Kristian is currently writing a book on the history of Club Entertainment due to be released in mid 2018 . Titled “ The Golden Years of Australian Variety – A History of Entertainment in Clubs ”, the book is the brainchild of Australian Entertainment legend , Mike Walsh .
“ Mike is a good mate . About 6 months ago he suggested I write a book about Entertainment in Clubs because he knows I ’ m passionate about it ” Kristian said . “ Mike said , there have been lots of books about the history of TV and Theatre , but the story of Australian Club Entertainment has never been properly documented . This book will hopefully rectify that and pay tribute to both the performers and also the Club industry itself ; it ’ s a massive story ”.
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Mark has a significant background in both Entertainment and Clubs , having been the recipient of seven MO Awards and eigh ACE Awards for his contribution as a performer , as well as collaborating with several major Clubs in a ‘ behind the scenes ’ capacity , most notably Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL during the late 90 ’ s and then Petersham RSL ( where he was Entertainment Manager ) from 2005-2009 .
“ I ’ ve been lucky to work in most aspects of the business ; you have to be able to wear more than one hat to survive ” he said . “ Over the years I ’ ve done TV , theatre , cruise ships and other stuff , but I started in Clubs and that ’ s where I learned my trade . Clubs have been a constant in my career . I was fortunate to be mentored by some names that might be forgotten now , like Lucky Grills , Jan Adele and Don Lane . All were major figures in Club entertainment , and sadly , they ’ ve all gone . I want to make sure their legacy , along with those still living , as well as the venues themselves , are not forgotten ”.
The growth of the Australian Entertainment industry and the Registered Club movement are inextricably linked . From the 60 ’ s onwards , the ‘ industry ’ of Entertainment in Clubs was gigantic . It employed thousands and entertained millions . At one stage during the mid 1970 ’ s there were more performers working per week in Clubs throughout Australia than there were in the entire USA .
“ Back in the 50 ’ s and 60 ’ s , most of the major stars were working in Theatres or nightclubs as opposed to Clubs ” Kristian stated . “ Clubs emerged as an alternative because