Flits across the stage

Concert given by New Zealanders at the N.Z. Divisional Theatre. Flanders, Dec. 13, 1916.

Case 9 features programmes for performances by various New Zealand military entertainment troupes. During World Wars I and II, soldier concert parties entertained the troops with fast-paced musical and comedy sketches drawn from popular modern entertainment. Concert parties were regarded as a side-show to the wider war effort, valuable in helping to maintain soldier morale.

Concert given by New Zealanders at the N.Z. Divisional Theatre. Flanders, Dec. 13, 1916.
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Divisional Theatre: Programme. (‘The Kiwis’). Paris, Dec. 25-27, 1916.

The N.Z. Divisional Entertainers, popularly known as ‘The Kiwis’, were among five different New Zealand concert parties operating in France during World War I. Utilising a makeshift hall dubbed The Divisional Theatre, The Kiwis’ performance at Christmas 1916 was attended by hundreds of French children (who received generous presents) as well as the soldiers. Some of the Kiwis did not survive the War but others continued as entertainers in peacetime.

Divisional Theatre: Programme. (‘The Kiwis’). Paris, Dec. 25-27, 1916.
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Divisional Theatre: Programme of special performance on the occasion of the visit of Sir Thomas Mackenzie K.C.M.G., High Commissioner of New Zealand. (‘The Kiwis’). [France?], Sept. 10, 1917.

Divisional Theatre: Programme of special performance on the occasion of the visit of Sir Thomas Mackenzie K.C.M.G., High Commissioner of New Zealand. (‘The Kiwis’). [France?], Sept. 10, 1917.
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Postcard. The New Zealand Division entertainers ‘The Kiwis’ in their musical medley ‘Y go crook’, France, Mar. 1918.

Postcard. The New Zealand Division entertainers ‘The Kiwis’ in their musical medley ‘Y go crook’, France, Mar. 1918.
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Kiwi revue no. 8. (The Kiwi Concert Party, New Zealand Entertainment Unit, 2nd N.Z.E.F.). New Zealand tour, 1943.

The Kiwi Concert Party was officially integrated into the army as an entertainment unit in World War II. Formed in 1941, they followed the path of hostilities throughout the Middle East and Italy for four years. The members were fully infantry-trained and armed and sometimes found themselves under fire. They toured New Zealand while on leave, performing at the Dunedin Town Hall on 1-2 October 1943. After the War they toured Australia and New Zealand continually from 1946 to 1954, under the J.C. Williamson banner.

Kiwi revue no. 8. (The Kiwi Concert Party, New Zealand Entertainment Unit, 2nd N.Z.E.F.). New Zealand tour, 1943.
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The Kiwis in their brand new non-stop comedy sensation ‘Maadi Gras’. (K.C.P. Entertainments Ltd.). New Zealand tour, Nov.-Dec. 1945.

The Kiwis in their brand new non-stop comedy sensation ‘Maadi Gras’. (K.C.P. Entertainments Ltd.). New Zealand tour, Nov.-Dec. 1945.
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The Kiwis Revue Company. (J.C. Williamson Theatres Ltd.). His Majesty’s Theatre, Dunedin, Nov. 7, 1953.

The Kiwis Revue Company. (J.C. Williamson Theatres Ltd.). His Majesty’s Theatre, Dunedin, Nov. 7, 1953.
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