Not The Town Hall (Press, 23 September 1983)

On 23 September 1983, the Michael Fowler Centre, also known as the Wellington Town Hall, was officially opened with a blend of grand spectacle and unrefined entertainment. The opening ceremony was marked by an air of sophistication, featuring music that, while vibrant, was somewhat disjointed. The event commenced with a display from 22D Battery, adding a touch of ceremonial pride, while the performance of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture exemplified New Zealand's growing artistic maturity, despite the composer being Russian and somewhat detached from the local culture. A notable highlight was the presence of Edward Heath, a former British Prime Minister, who delivered a well-structured opening address. His polished oratory offered a stark contrast to local political figures, showcasing a level of knowledge and vision that some observers felt was often lacking. Heath's competence was refreshing, especially compared to the more commonplace political rhetoric familiar to many in attendance. However, after the sophisticated opening, the ensuing events, notably the “New Zealand Showcase Spectacular,” descended into a less impressive display. The show featured a mix of performers who were described as tedious and indistinguishable, all delivered within a flashy and overwhelming visual framework that detracted from the performances themselves. The acts were introduced by Peter Sinclair, who dubbed them “the cream of New Zealand's performing artists,” an assertion met with skepticism by viewers who expected more substantial talent. Among the performers, the Wellington Pipe Band and the New Zealand Army Band received positive mention, providing notable moments amidst an otherwise lackluster lineup. Despite an overarching theme of brashness, one highlight of the event was stand-up comedian Lynn of Tawa, who was praised for her ability to craft comedy from unrefined material, standing out as a singular talent in a sea of mediocrity. In conclusion, while the opening of the Michael Fowler Centre had its moments of elegance and promise, the subsequent showcase left much to be desired, marking a contrast between high aspirations and the reality of local entertainment quality.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand