Variety Today turns two (1993)

The Variety Today Second Birthday cake cutting ceremony attracted some eager starters (l-r) Legalese columnist Anthony Colavitti, Susie Broun, Olaf `Westy' Harris, Managing Editor Shirley Broun, Robert Pearson and George Harvey (of The Four Kinsmen), Greg Doolan (ex-Wickety Wak), Frank Ifield and - kneeling ready for the first slice - fellow Kinsmen, Scott Radburn.

VARIETY Today and 150 dedicated supporters saw the new year off in fine spirits as they joined together at top Gold Coast venue, Paradise Country, to celebrate the publication's Second Birthday.

It was a night which brought together entertainment industry members from all areas - performers, managers, agents, media, their families, friends and supporters - and one which highlighted a tremendous kinship and warmth among all attendees.

Much to the delight of founder and managing editor Shirley Broun, Variety Today was well represented by its columnists and people who had contributed a great deal to the publication.

For the first time Olaf Harris (Rolf Harris's 84-year-old uncle) was able to attend the birthday celebrations, despite a recent stay in a Sydney hospital. Westy, as he is affectionately known, assisted with the setting up of the magazine two years ago putting his commercial art skills to fine use in early design concepts, both in advertising and magazine logo concepts.

In 1981, Westy and Shirley had worked together in designing the masthead for Alvariety, a magazine which was produced in conjunction with the Australian Ladies Variety Association (ALVA) in Sydney.

Frank Ifield proved a big hit when he flew up especially for the celebrations, bringing with him his beautiful new bride, Carole. The newly weds, who scored the honeymoon suite at a prestigious local resort, took the opportunity to catch up with old friends and new.

A montage of Variety Today Second Birthday party-goers. Do you recognise anyone?

While Sporting Link columnist, Graham Wilson, was unable to attend due to an illness in the family, his fellow `MO' Award winning `The Four Kinsmen' counterparts - Scott Radburn, George Harvey and Robert (recently engaged) Pearson - grabbed manager John Hansen and flew to the Gold Coast a day before their Twin Towns season began, just for the special celebrations.

Legalese columnist Anthony Colavitti, the proud father of three-month-old twins, and Kisha - Variety Today's resident stargazer, also attended along with Roland Storm, Kirri Adams, Barbara McKay, Dean Daniels, Shoo-be-Doo, and the Galloping Grandmas whose entertainment background extended from the popular vaudeville days to now.

It was an extra special night for Shirley as not only was she surrounded by her many Variety Today supporters but also more than 40 of her peers and fellow colleagues from the Gold Coast Sun and Gold Coast Bulletin publications, as well as Prime TV's Gary Field who also interviewed Frank Ifield and Shirley for a special TV segment which went to air the following Saturday.

Gary Field, of Prime TV (Gold Coast) interviews Variety Today founder Shirley Broun and Showcall UK columnist Frank Ifield.

Fabulous four-part harmony group Sh-Boom captivated their audience when they performed at the second birthday celebrations.

Top entertainment was provided by 1993 `MO' Award nominees for Best Variety Group, Sh-Boom who not only had the guests revelling in their fabulous four-part harmony sound of the 60s but also Robyn and her dedicated staff behind the bar at host venue Paradise Country.

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