OSCAR DIPS INTO HIS PC BAG AND

COMES UP WITH A HANDFUL OF TIPS ON . . .

How to put on the winning

PC show

CRITICISM is often levelled at the P.C. show organiser and often it is well merited when it comes to the organisation of shows. But one has also to appreciate the difficulties and risks that beset a potential show organiser, He may find himself well and truly in the red for his efforts.

Every year there are more and more P.C. shows in Britain. This is great, it shows a surge of interest in our sport, but it also increases the problems of finding something fresh for a show.

There must be at least 100 shows and physique contests in Britain throughout the year, allowing for mid-week contests, and weekends when there are two or three on the same day. Some of the real enthusiasts attend ten or more a year I should imagine. They are therefore getting very "choosey" and difficult to please if they see the same stars at every show. There is no alternative and as I can see things at present and looming up during 1965, we have reached a sort of stagnation point and even some of the most successful show organisers will think twice before launching on a programme that may only finish up with debts.

Let us analyse some of the problems that face a show organiser.

To hire a hall in any big city with good amenities, even if you have "contacts" costs anything from £25 to £80 for a Saturday evening and afternoon, and you must book months ahead. In London, of course, for such shows as the Universe and Britain you can expect the hall to cost you from £150 to £400 for a matinee plus extras!

The hire of the hall may not include lighting, heating and staff, all of whom have to be paid. Some halls have a resident electrician and stage manager and you have to include his wages, but this is useful as they know the workings of the electricity system and stage.

If therefore show organisers have to make their top price seats 10/or 7/6 do not be surprised, bear in mind the cost of the hall alone before they start paying any expenses for the people who entertain you.

If the hall is required in the afternoon for the judging of the contests, it may well cost you anything up to £15 extra and for most organisers there is often no alternative but to have the judging at the hall. From competitors' and judges' points of view, of course, this is more satisfactory. The physique and figure contests are always the main part of the show and the mainstay of the whole movement. It behoves the organisers therefore to give some consideration to the boys and girls who travel miles to compete, often at considerable sacrifice, loss of work and discomfort. So please bear this in mind.

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Len Sell above and Earl Maynard left are about the only two really "top of the bill" physiques available for P.C. shows just now

Nabba photos

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