The Four Kinsmen’s record-breaking season

Flashback to Variety Today Issue 1 - December 1990

After 20 months and 661 shows, multi award-winning entertainers The Four Kinsmen have taken their final bow as stars of Conrad Jupiter Casino's multi million dollar production, Hollywood Legends.

In what was certainly one of the most lucrative contracts of their career, The Four Kinsmen sang, danced and clowned their way through 661 shows of the two-hour production, filling roles as the Marx Bros, Spike Jones and the City slickers, the `invisible dog' trainers and their own 30 minute cabaret performance for a record-breaking 20 month season, the longest run for any show ever staged at the prestigious Gold Coast venue.

Speaking from South Australia, where they are currently playing to packed houses (booked out six months prior to their arrival and with 1000 people still on a waiting list to see the show), the four Kinsmen said their time spent on the Queensland Gold Coast in Hollywood Legends would always be regarded as a true milestone in the group's history.

"It not only gave us a rare opportunity to settle down for almost two years but also to entertain international audiences at a truly superb venue," group spokesman Scott Radburn said.

Group members who include George Harvey, Robert Pearson, Graham Wilson and Scott Radburn, did just that in a show that was designed around their talents.

Producer Jim McDonald was well aware of the group's extensive talents.
"Jim picked out the skits that best suited his format and then structured the rest of the show around us," Scott said.

The idea of starring in a major production show at one venue for almost two years, after spending the majority of their career touring Australia and overseas, was at first a little daunting.
"It was something we hadn't really thought about before, but it was an opportunity to broaden our skills and we jumped at it."

And, despite a demanding workload of eight shows a week, The Four Kinsmen never missed a performance.

"We came close a couple of times," Scott recalled.

Scott, as the unofficial clown of the group, undertakes physically demanding activities such as backflips, standing on his head and sliding off the stage into the audience.

"During the past two years I've broken my hand and my toe at different times but still managed to go on and do the show."

Regular television appearances for which the group is in great demand, were also responsible for occasionally cutting fine their arrival on stage at Hollywood Legends.

"After our last appearance on Hey Hey It's Saturday in Melbourne recently we came close to missing the plane, but after somewhat of a record breaking dash to the airport, we made both the plane and the performance," Scott said.

When the curtain came down on their final performance in Hollywood Legends on November 25, applause exploded from all areas of the packed auditorium, with perhaps the loudest emanating from the stage itself.

There were a few tears as fellow performers, who still had three weeks to run in the show, farewelled four of the country's leading `live' performers.

"One thing about working in a show like that for so long, is that it's like living with 60 other people - you become really close, part of a big family. We're already missing that," Scott said.

"Within 48 hours we were in South Australia doing our own cabaret show once again. We were on our own again and it took some getting used to," Scott said.

Careerwise, the extended season at Jupiters Casino has opened up new doors for the talented foursome, who plan to pursue opportunities in Las Vegas in the near future.

"With an estimated 25 percent of all audiences at Conrad Jupiters Casino being Asian, The Four Kinsmen proved their act could transcend all language barriers and be appreciated and enjoyed by people from all walks of life.

"I was able to spend more time with my fiance, Cheryl, and even bought a pet budgie, Pino - and if that isn't settling down, I don't know what is," Scott said.

Graham Wilson took to the books to learn a few words in Japanese and Robert, along with other members of the group, devoted hours each day to workouts in the local gym.

Recently, they completed their first album in several years entitled simply `The Four Kinsmen'.

Featuring the group's unique harmonies in a fabulous selection of contemporary songs, the latest recording has already sold hundreds during performances in South Australia.

Asked what is ahead for The Four Kinsmen, Scott replied: "1991 is an open book."

"There are a couple of places in Australia we could call home and the Gold Coast is one of them, so we are pleased to say we will be returning this month for a two week season (Christmas-New Year) at Twin towns Services Club, Tweed Heads.

"Then we are back on the road again for a National tour, and to see and perform for people we haven't seen in two years, since settling into the show at Jupiters," Scott said.

He added that `live' variety performances were coming back in a big way in Australia, just as they were in England and the USA.

"The future is bright for variety because people want to see more live performances - both in cabaret and theatre," he said.

Scott added that because of the increased demand and interest, there was also room on television for a variety show such as the old favourite Bandstand, which introduced and established many of today's great Australian entertainers including Col Joye, Johnny O'Keefe, Little Patti, Judy Stone, Sandy Scott, The Bee Gees, etc.

"You have to be professional and to survive you have to keep updating your material and be original. People want to see something new and different all the time or otherwise entertainment becomes ho hum."

The Four Kinsmen work under this formula - always writing new material and updating routines and harmonies.

It has proved successful for them and no doubt will contribute to the group attaining even greater successes in the future.

Editors Note: True to their word The Four Kinsmen headlined at the Hacienda in Las Vegas six years later in 1996, being the first Australian group to have a resident act on the Las Vegas Strip. Followed in May, 2009, by Human Nature at the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino.

THE FOUR KINSMEN - 2012 UPDATE:

The Four Kinsmen were one of the most entertaining, dynamic and sought after variety groups in Australia so when they split in 2002 the industry suffered a major loss. But ... in true showbiz style the show must go on and, as individuals, the talented members of The Four Kinsmen quickly established themselves in new roles... this time as single entities and bringing their individual talents to the fore. So what are they doing now? Read on ...

Scott Radburn

SCOTT RADBURN

SCOTT Radburn’s solo career has been diverse since The Four Kinsmen called it a day ... from co-hosting Radio Wave FM’s Breakfast Show, to playing a lead role in the world tour of the musical `Cats’ in South Korea, playing and fooling the audience that he is a hypnotist from Prague in the show `Hypnotwist’ (performed at the Don Bradman Gala Dinner at the SCG and in Singapore).

Never failing to have a crowd in stitches as part of The Four Kinsmen,  Radburn’s impeccable comic timing and style continues to attract the most elite of clients. He recently appeared on TV’s Celebrity Apprentice as a `Secret Weapon’ against David Hasselhoff’s team. And, earlier this year the multi-talented performer proved a huge hit at a private family party for the Rupert Murdoch family in Melbourne.

The past three years has taken him to India, Vietnam,  Bangkok, Phuket, Tokyo, New Zealand, Hong Kong (Macau),Shanghai ,Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to sing opera with the internationally acclaimed humorous corporate shows ` The Three Waiters’  and  `Tenors Undercover’.  Recently Scott produced the show `A Night of Pure Imagination with The Phantom and Special Guests.’

In September 2010 Scott was a featured vocalist on the concept album for the new musical `Morgans Run’ created by famous Australian writer Colleen McCullough and celebrated composer Gavin Lockley.

GEORGE HARVEY & ROBERT PEARSON

George Harvey

Rob Pearson

In 2007 George Harvey & Robert Pearson, two members of the group 'The Four Kinsmen' put their heads together to form the duo "Pearson & Harvey", carrying on the famous group's tradition of variety entertainment - vocals, comedy, magic, impressions, high energy dancing, puppets and even more surprises than ever.

As ex-members of Australia's top variety group The Four Kinsmen, winners of over 30 Australian Entertainment awards, George and Robert know 'the variety industry'.

Seeing their act reminds you of the great comic double acts such as 'Martin & Lewis', 'Morecambe & Wise' & 'The Smothers Brothers' but with their own style of comedy added to the mix.

George Harvey plays the quintessential straight man with an amazing singing voice and Robert Pearson's love for comedy (Charlie Chaplin & Eric Morecombe being his main influences) shines through as the thorn in George's side.

Due to their brilliant showmanship, their timeless music, very funny 'CLEAN' comedy and obvious friendship both on and off the stage, the demand for 'Pearson & Harvey' to perform just grows and grows.

GRAHAM WILSON

Graham Wilson

SINCE The Four Kinsmen split in 2002 Graham Wilson has combined his talents as a singer-songwriter and top guitarist with a natural comic appeal in many `live’ performances, particularly in his home town of Wollongong, New South Wales.
Wollongong’s award-winning Seafood Restaurant, The Lagoon, was quick to snap up this popular local personality where he is now a regular performer, followed by several other popular dining outlets.

A sought-after songwriter, Graham has continued to churn out some impressive songs including two he wrote and recorded about his beloved Wollongong and another for Rugby League in Illawarra. Centenary of League. He also continues to provide his services for clubs  including St George/Illawarra Rugby League Club and many charities including The Leukaemia Foundation, House with No Steps, local Rotary clubs and more. His impressive guitar solos have won him many accolades and put him in demand for many venues including the lucrative cruise market.

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