About
This showcase for Arthur Baysting's sleazy, comedic alter-ego Neville ("on the level") Purvis ("at your service") is notorious for containing the first use of the f-word on a New Zealand television show. As a result, Baysting was banned and crossed the Tasman to find work (an irony given the show's anti-Australian jokes). Surviving segments from the show include a launch by PM Rob Muldoon, a tour of Avalon, a performance by Limbs Dance Company (including Mary-Jane O'Reilly), a visit to the Close to Home set, an interview with a garden gnome fan, and some Mark II Zephyr worship.
Related collections
Related images
A publicity shot of Neville Purvis and his trusty Mark ll Zephyr.
Supplied by Arthur Baysting
Neville Purvis and two fans.
Supplied by Arthur Baysting
Illustration of Neville Purvis by artist Joe Wylie.
By Joe Wylie. Supplied by Arthur Baysting
The cover art for 1977 single 'It Takes Money' backed by 'Disco On My Radio', by Neville Purvis, alter ego of Arthur Baysting. The artwork is by Joe Wylie; the music video was directed by Roger Donaldson.
Cover by Joe Wylie
Neville Purvis and his white ukulele Eric at the Wellington Opera House, March 1978. Purvis was one of the entertainers appearing in Red Mole production Ghost Rite. The Auckland Star's John Ghent wrote of an earlier Ghost Rite performance that Neville Purvis MC "stole the early show".
Supplied by Arthur Baysting
Neville Purvis makes an entrance with artist Jean Clarkson, at the late 1977 world premiere of movie Sleeping Dogs at Auckland’s Civic Theatre. Riot police stand by. Purvis (aka Arthur Baysting) co-wrote the script with Ian Mune.
Photo by Bruce Jarvis
A shot of Neville Purvis in all his glory.
Supplied by Arthur Baysting
