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