NAKED CITY: VENTRILOQUISM FOR DUMMIES

NAKED CITY: VENTRILOQUISM FOR DUMMIES

With the analog signal soon to be switched off, perhaps it’s an appropriate time to recall the early days of Australian television, in particular The Tarax Show and its wise-cracking dummy Gerry Gee. Whilst the Melbourne-based program did not screen in Sydney it created a legacy that was to survive for many years, especially when it came to the world of ventriloquism.

Ventriloquist Ron Blaskett and his best mate Gerry Gee have since become household names, bringing untold joy and merriment to kids of all ages right across the country. Blaskett, who only recently announced his ‘final’ retirement at the age of ninety (after a number of comebacks), was also responsible for a marketing phenomenon back in the late 50s and 60s.

The mini-sized Gerry Gee ‘junior’ doll became one of the most sought after items in children’s toy shops and spawned a nation of young ventriloquists. Variations soon included a Geraldine Gee doll for the girls, a Beatles Gerry (complete with mop top wig) and ‘supporter’ dolls in the colours of the various Melbourne football clubs. The craze lasted for a good decade, but by the 70s kids were embracing the onslaught of mass-marketed US toys from the likes of Mattel and others (aka plastic junk!).

Slightly worse for wear, Gerry Gee juniors soon found their way into Op Shops, trash and treasure markets or a dusty box in the garden shed. Even Ron Blaskett was forced into playing the clubs and occasionally ‘working blue’ to please his more adult audiences. Today of course original Gerry Gee dolls bring a tidy amount on eBay and the Victoria Museum houses a prized Gerry dressed in the colours of a Richmond supporter.

We would love to see a revival in the art of home-based ‘ventriloquy’, both amongst kiddies and adults alike. Every home should have their own dummy, an extra member of the family and the chance for dad, mum and the kids to all exercise their alter ego with a few basic lessons in voice throwing. A well dressed dummy could easily become the hip companion for groovy couples, out for a night on the town and a real conversation starter.

For the politically conscious, dummies could be marketed in the likeness of well known politicians. The Tony Abbott doll with its Cheshire grin and wiggly ears would become an immediate hit and a constant mouthing of “I’ll stop the boats, I’ll stop the boats” would have them reeling in the aisles!

THE HIT LIST: It’s the 50th Anniversary of JFK’s assassination this week and to mark the occasion the Mu-Meson Archives are recreating the infamous Carousel Club at the Vanguard in Newtown on November 21st. This was the home of Jack Ruby, the nightclub owner who shot Lee Harvey Oswald and a key link in the whole conspiracy and cover up surrounding the assassination and aftermath. Burlesque dancers, crooners, comedians and even a ventriloquist will provide the light entertainment set against rare video clips and commentary from Jay Katz as to what really happened. From 7.00pm.

thevanguard.com.au

The Eastern Suburbs have been a wasteland for live music in recent years but change is on its way and the newly opened Jam Gallery in Bondi Junction is leading the way with some great nights including this Friday’s ‘fiesta’ special with Peña Flamenca and Watussi’s Oscar Jimenez. Expect some very fiery Spanish and Latin sounds in a very funky underground venue from 8pm until late and for the very modest door price of $10.

jamgallery.com.au

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