THE YOUNG IDEA

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 63, 6 September 1940, Page 40

THE YOUNG IDEA

Child Stars Of Station "T.O.T." Make Their Own Rules

an art which has to be learned, but occasionally along comes somebody who breaks the rules and gets away with it. radio programmes is Young Brian Johansen owes his success as a national broadcaster to the fact that he came into the 2ZB studio one day some months ago and breasted the tape at the microphone with several other clamouring children eager to do an item over the air in the Children’s Session.

Out from Edinburgh Another artist listeners will take to their hearts is a tiny, wide-eyed child just out from Edinburgh. His name is Albert MacGowan. Albert sings George Formby songs, and Scottish songs, and accompanies himself on the banjo-ukelele. Albert’s entry into radio was not by such a direct route as that of the little compére. He attended the general auditions at 2ZB, which have nothing to do with the Children’s Session. He was just such a wee lad, and oh! the studio was so big, and maybe somebody forgot to pat him on the head when they, took him to the microphone, with the result that the would-be artist endeavoured to do his joyous comedy items in

Frequently only a very small number of those anxious to broadeast can be called upon in the short time available; and Bryan O’Brien’s eye was caught by the earnest, rather determined expression of a little boy who had obviously: been playing football that afternoon, and looked as if he had been right in the thick of it. The little chap was called to the microphone, and gave an impression of "Pop-eye" and "Olive Oyl" to the huge delight of the children’ in the studio and the amusement of listeners. This little fellow’s self-assurance and "punch" caused Bryan to make a mental note that here was that rare phenomenon-a "radio personality." Bryan mentally catalogued him for future use. Gonsequently . ‘wien the pes ie To. was born he was immediately thought of for compére! Young Brian doesn’t treat the microphone with any respect whatever-for him there are no rules, He is a law unto himself. Listeners will appreciate this fact when they become familiar with him.

a state of mind bordering on panic. As a result, Albert didn’t make the grade. Later he- came into the studio for the Children’s Session with his mother, and Bryan O’Brien noticed the same look of fear on his face; so, being used to handling children, Bryan talked with him, patted him on the head this time, and soon had him laughing and chatting away naturally, with the result that he went up to the mike with a broad smile on his face, and " put over" an excellent comedy song-quite naturally. Bryan is quite sure that little Albert will be a great hit with listeners. Musicians and Comedians "Station T.O.T." has set a high standard for individual artists. The more serious musical: side of it rests at the moment with the following young artists who have made the grade in radio: Pauline Tozer, a ten-year-old singer, has a tremendous range, and who can soar with clarity and precision to "F in alt." Norman and Shirley Wilson, vocal duettists of exceptional ability. Mervyn Piaggi, a harmonica player of ex-

traordinary ability, though he is just a youth. Listeners will notice that the technical flights of such world performers on the instrument as Larry Adler and others, are well within the capabilities of this clever artist. Roy Smith, another outstanding performer, who plays the piano-accordion. Brian Bastow has carved a niche for himself in "Station T.O.T." by his excellent characterisations (in Lancashire dialect). * Colette,’ the clever young fashion commentator, who is most amusing when describing the latest modes. Lawrie Constable, a versatile young artist, whe can handle broad comedy exceptionally well. He is a tower of strength to "Station T.O.T." as an announcer and comedy impersonator.

Young Ideas The policy of Station T.O.T., as the young compére, Brian Johansen, will tell you, is to comb the world for the best artists money can buy-that they have the finance to do it you will hear when he presents the Balance Sheet! They intend, from time to time, to bring world figures before the microphone, such as Greta Garbo, and the famous lion hunter, Colonel Whata-Whopper-and others. Relays will be conducted of. wrestling matches and dog shows; listeners will hear weather reports, paraphrased in the language of the man in the street. "Commercials" will be delivered with a ~ new twist, and all in all you will hear the children’s idea of how a Commercial Station should be conducted,