Young and old gather around the piano to sing the songs of the war years in NGA MANU ROREKA (Sweet Songbirds).

The singalong nostalgia show, which first aired last ANZAC Day and is back by popular demand, is set in a 1940s living room as a family farewells two young soldiers.

NGA MANU ROREKA features 97-year-old Evelyn Hutchins (nee Bovett), described in the 1940s and 1950s as the Gracie Fields of New Zealand for her work entertaining troops, and her friend Mary Blackwell, a mess steward in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force in World War II.

Joining them are 1960s opera singer Noel Signal, who relaunched his career last year at the age of 81; Les Andrews, a WWII Army veteran who went onto a radio and stage career; war veteran Brian Schofield and married couple Gloria-Jean and Paul Norfolk.

The young ‘uns in Army uniforms are Rotorua songbird Elizabeth Marvelly and entertainer/comedian Chris Powley. On piano is the unflagging Stephen Small, leading a range of songs popular at the times of both world wars. The top-tapping tunes range from It’s a Long Way to Tipperary and Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit-Bag to the Kiwi favourite Now is the Hour.

ENDS

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