Fantasy and Folly : The Lost World of New Zealand Musicals 1880-1940
Peter Harcourt

	General History, Music Price: $39.99 Availability: now Format: 180pp, A4, softcover ISBN: 1-877228-65-6 Add this book to your shopping bag

About the Book

In this colourful, comprehensive history Peter Harcourt 
uncovers our rich theatrical heritage - composers, 
lyricists, performers, producers, directors and some of 
the theatres that staged their productions. The Monarch 
of Utopia, Tapu, Moorish Maid, Hinemoa and Marama: 
The Mere & the Maori Maid are just some of the early 
productions documented here for the first time.
   
"Once heard - long forgotten" - says the author about 
New Zealand's pioneering stage musicals. But do they 
deserve to be lost in the props cupboard of history? 
Peter Harcourt's comprehensive study conjures up a 
romantic, sometimes bizarre world of impresarios and 
Lotharios, cannibal feasts and femmes fatale. Of special 
interest is the vibrant Maori aspect of many of our early 
musicals, and the bold attempts to create a distinctive 
New Zealand identity. Far from forgettable, the lost 
world of the New Zealand musical is a flight of fantasy 
and folly which will intrigue and amuse - a lively 
contribution to the recording of our heritage.   

With a foreword from Kurt G?nzl, author of the 
Encyclopedia of the Musical Theatre and an introduction 
by Dame Kate Harcourt, this book is a must for all those 
with an interest in theatre history, both casual and 
professional.

About the Author

PETER MILLAIS HARCOURT was born in Wellington in 
1923. He worked for the NZBC in the 1940s before 
studying broadcasting, theatre and journalism at the 
BBC School in England. Returning to New Zealand in 
1956 he wrote, presented and performed in many radio, 
theatre and television productions. Among them were 
revues for Wellington Repertory (with David Tinkham), 
a stage musical The Pied Piper, and two LP records 
The Land of the Long White Shroud and Under the 
Southern Moss.

He later cemented his contribution to the arts as 
president of Actors Equity, Downstage Theatre Society, 
NZ Writers Guild and Friends of the Film Archive. He 
was on the board of Downstage Theatre, a committee 
member of the Friends of Turnbull Library, and led the 
campaign to save the St James in Wellington where the 
dress circle is now named in his honour.

Peter's several books include the story of radio Voices 
in the Air (with Peter Downes) and A Dramatic 
Appearance, a history of theatre in New Zealand. He 
also wrote school histories and film reviews.

In 1959 Peter married Kate, who was made DNZM in 
1997 for services to the theatre. Their daughter Miranda 
has forged a career in the performing arts, as has their 
son Gordon in television journalism.

Peter Harcourt was awarded the QSO for services to 
the community. He died in 1995.