STATION T.O.T. TAKES THE AIR

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 56, 19 July 1940, Page 47

STATION T.O.T. TAKES THE AIR

Child Artists Stage Novel Session

tinuity, and a fidelity to the type of programme imitated, marked the broadcasting from 2ZB on a Saturday evening recently of "Station T.O.T." This was a presentation by children, of a miniature commercial programme, arranged R sangfroid, excellent con-

by Bryan O'Brien, to whom great credit must go for the selection of his artists, the material provided, and the coaching given. Excellently rehearsed, the whole entertainment went with a swing, and for this, the Compéere, young Brian

Johansen, was largely responsible.

Quite unflurried, he put over his lines in good style, and made most of the " gags" provided for him. There was something very dull and metallic about the sound of the "gong." It sounded more like an upturned pudding basin than a perfectly good ZB Station gong-and perhaps it was! Particularly entertaining were the imitations of the shopping reporters, and announcers, given by "Collette," whose real name is Joyce Leck. Listeners would have no difficulty in picking the prototypes of " Collette’s"’ burlesques. Also true to type was John Grounsell’s presentation of a book review, by " Dr. Snitch." Straight entertainment items were provided by Norman and Shirley Wilson (duets), Pauline Tozer (soloist), Brian Barstow (monologue), and an excellent xylophone duo by John and Elizabeth Tait. Judging by the fan mail, and the number of telephone calls which -2ZB has received for both Bryan and the youngsters, this was a most successful initial attempt, and, doubtless, will be but the forerunnér of other similar programmes at that station. !