they were able to present subsidised
entertainment for little or no charge
to audiences and utilise these shows
to attract patronage. A night at the
local Club where patrons could enjoy
inexpensive quality food, drinks and
see a show as well as have a ‘flutter
on the pokies’ became a weekly
ritual for a large proportion of the
population”. ‘local’ Club became commonplace.
Coinciding with this period, Television
was introduced to Australia in 1956.
By the mid 60’s there was a slew
of locally produced shows, which
provided opportunities for both
visiting International performers,
and, perhaps more importantly,
‘home-grown’ talent to receive
massive public exposure. This was
a ‘new beginning’ for Australian
entertainment. Clubs became the
bastion for this style of performance.
The ability to see ‘home grown’ as
well as international stars at the Mark worked as a support artiste
for many visiting international
performers including Max Bygraves,
Danny La Rue, Ronnie Corbett,
Petula Clarke and Phyllis Diller.
Significant redevelopment of venues
took place; most including lavish
and well equipped showrooms. The
shows became bigger and more
spectacular; major stars imported
from overseas that would previously
appear in large Theatres, began
touring Clubs instead.
“It’s easy to forget that major acts
like Sammy Davis Jnr, Shirley
Bassey and Tom Jones appeared in
Clubs back in the 70’s and early 80’s.
It was an incredible period and the
roll call of names, including local
acts like Col Joye, Rikki May, Julie
Anthony and John Farnham stood
beside international stars like Debbie
Reynolds, Gene Pitney, Eartha Kitt
and Dick Emery on marquees outside
Clubs throughout the nation. I’m
planning a whole chapter on the
imported stars alone” Kristian said.
Mark plans to cover all aspects
of the history of Entertainment in
Clubs; from the various performers
(past and present) as well as
the development of the venues
themselves.
“I think it’s time that the Club
industry was acknowledged for
their role in the advancement of
Australian Entertainment and vice-
versa. Let’s not forget all the small
Clubs in regional areas where acts
would perform on tour...that in itself
is a whole chapter, some of the
stories I’ve been told are remarkable
and pretty hysterical!” Kristian
stated.
IQ 15