Country comedy of duo draws big show crowd

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The Taieri Plain echoed with the sound of yodelling as New Zealand's most famous twins took to the stage, drawing record crowds to the Otago-Taieri A and P Show at the weekend.

The show in Mosgiel attracted up to 10,000 people, many turning out just to catch a glimpse of Lynda and Jools Topp in action.

The chairman of the show's 150th celebrations, Murray Taylor, said he could not get over the size of the crowd.

His 10,000 estimate put it at three times more than last year.

The Topp Twins attracted large audiences for each of their four shows, he said.

As their Gingham Sisters characters, the musicians and comedians told the audience they loved "getting back to their roots" in the country.

"The best gig is an A and P show," Jools said.

They even commended them for being "dressed to-the-nines, when sixes or sevens would have done".

One man who got up close and personal with the "untouchable girls" was Graeme Clydesdale, of Dunedin.

Hand-picked from the crowd, he had the honour of assisting Lynda down from the stage, much to the amusement of those watching, and later returned to help lead them in a group dance.

After saying the experience was "a bit embarrassing at first", he then said "it was great".

Another couple who came specifically for the stage show were Joan and Dick Stewart, of Mosgiel.

They too became the centre of the crowd's attention when Lynda approached them to make note of their 55-year marriage.

"They were marvellous. I absolutely loved it," Mrs Stewart said.

Along with the entertainment on the main stage, the crowd was thrilled to watch the show's first pig race.

Raising money for Shelter Box New Zealand, five colour-coded pigs raced down a run, with a bit of encouragement.

Farmers and animal enthusiasts were also kept happy with the equestrian competition, an iron-man contest, dog trials and the livestock judging.