1914

Please note: Recent discoveries using Trove (National Library of Australia) and Papers Past (National Library of New Zealand) indicate that

American comedian Paul Stanhope frequently revived his revusicals - especially those first staged in 1914 and 1915 - under different titles.

Indeed some works produced in Australia and New Zealand between 1917 and 1921 were renamed several times. Research is currently being

conducted in an attempt to identify which of these variant-titled shows are the same. The aim of the project, due for completion by the end of

February 2018 is to locate each distinct revusical within the Australian Variety Theatre Archive under the first known title and year of

production. Until then all of the Stanhope works currently entered in the AVTA need to be treated with circumspect.

UNCLE TOM'S CABIN: [burlesque] Txt Adapt. Post Mason; Mus. [n/e]

1914: Crystal Gardens, Fortitude Valley (Brisbane); 1-10 Jan.

- Dir/Prod. Post Mason.

- Troupe: Post Mason's Record Breakers.

AUTUMN MANOUVRES: [burlesque] Txt Adapt.

Post Mason; Mus. [n/e]

1914: Crystal Gardens, Fortitude Valley (Brisbane); 12-16 Jan.

- Dir/Prod. Post Mason.

- Troupe: Post Mason's Record Breakers.

ALADDIN AND THE MAGIC LAMP: [pantomime] Lib. A.E. Martin; Mus. [n/e]

Described as a "fac simile of [the pantomime] being staged in Sydney by Mr George Willoughby's Company"

("Pantomime," 25), this production would have necessary required a number of changes in order to be staged by its 17 amateur

juvenile performer, a opposed to the several hundred engaged by Willoughby. The Bendigonian also indicates that the pantomime

was staged in nine scenes and that the children were all aged under 16.

The Geelong season was booked for three nights but lasted only one night following adverse reactions from the opening night

audience. As the Geelong Advertiser records:

It looked very much like an experiment, and the audience did not appreciate it. Most of the scenes were made up from

canvases seen every week at the theatre, and soon after the curtain the house became demonstrative. It did its best to howl

off some of the performers, many of whom gazed uneasily into the wings to find what was next. Songs and dances filled in

most of the time, and scarcely one contributor escaped the wrath of the auditorium ("Aladdin," 4).

1914: Bendigo Easter Fair and Sports Carnival (Victoria); ca. 13 Apr.

- Dir/Prod. Fred Vincent

- Troupe: Fred Vincent's Juvenile Pantomime Co

- Cast incl. Fred Vincent (Widow Twanky), Dolly Brown (Aladdin), Daisy Billett (Fairy Queen), Roderick Thomas

(The Wizard), Harry Branchflower (Policeman), Robert Phillips (Widow Twankey's sweetheart), Baby Billett, Doris

Dungan, Louie Francis,

1914: His Majesty's Theatre, Geelong (Victoria); 5 May

- Cast and production mostly for previous Bendigo season.

"Aladdin Pantomime Cancelled." Geelong Advertiser 6 May 1914, 4.

"Pantomime, The." Bendigonian (Bendigo, Vic) 21 Apr. 1914, 25.

IL TROVATORE TRIO: [burlesque] Txt/Mus. [n/e]

1914: Empire Theatre, Brisbane; 25 Apr. - 1 May

- Prod. Ted Holland and Percy St John.

THE PIRATE KING: [burlesque] Txt/Mus. [n/e]

1914: Palace Theatre, Brisbane; 20-26 June

- Prod/Lse. Sidney Cook and Wynn Fowles Valley Theatres Ltd

- Troupe: New Follies Musical Costume Comedy Co.

ROBINSON CRUSOE: [pantomime] Lib/Mus. Harry Taylor

Although the first known production of this pantomimic adaptation of Defoe's classic novel was Stanley McKay's return

season in Dubbo on 31 July 1914, it was possibly staged as far back as April that year.

It is likely that this 1914 pantomime was written by Harry Taylor, who had already provided McKay with two other

productions by then - Bo-Peep and Old Mother Hubbard (it is however, still to be confirmed). In support of this assertion is the

fact that Taylor joined forces with Alf Coleman after the war to tour the Taylor-Coleman Pantomime Company. One of its earliest

Brisbane Courier 1 Jan. 1914, 2.

works was Robinson Crusoe - and presumably the same pantomime (albeit with new and updated material added). As Mckay was

still on post-war duty in Europe with the Australian Imperial Forces for most of 1919 (he also later spent several months studying

stage management in England and France), there would have been no conflict of interest in Taylor reviving his own pantomime

for touring purposes.

1914: New South Wales regional tour; ca. Apr.-Aug.

- Dir/Prod. Stanley McKay.

- Troupe: Stanley McKay's No 1 Pantomime Company.

- Cast incl. Jim Gerald (the dame), Will Raynor, Fred Keeley, Essie Jennings,

Rosie Coleman, Carmen Coleman Richard Dunbar, Ivy Aldous, Alma Aldous,

Annie Lillilund, Bante Rhys, Hettie Peel, Arthur King.

- New South Wales tour incl. Singleton 30 Apr. - 1 May) • Dubbo (Empire

Theatre 16 June -) • Lismore (Federal Hall; 7 July -) • Grafton (Market

Square; 15 July -) • Dubbo (Empire Theatre; 31 July - > return season: RC 31

July -) NB: Jim Gerald and Essie Jennings did not join the company until sometime around June-July.

Prior to their inclusion the dame was played by Arthur King, with Hettie King as principal

boy. While it is still unclear when Gerald took over the role of director/stage director for

the No 1 Pantomime Company, this most likely occurred by the time it arrived in

Melbourne in late 1914.

1914: Victorian regional tour; ca. Sept. - Oct.

- Dir/Prod. Stanley McKay.

- Troupe: Stanley McKay's No 1 Pantomime Company.

- Cast and production mostly as for previous NSW tour.

- Itinerary incl. Wangaratta (cnr Reid and Ovens streets; 14 Sept. -) •

Beechworth (Federal Hall; 3-5 Oct. > RC 5 Oct.) • Euroa (12-14 Oct.) •

Shepparton (behind Post Office; 26-27 > no RC production.)

1914: Melbourne suburban tour; 2 Nov. - 31 Dec.

- Dir. Jim Gerald; Prod. Stanley McKay.

- Troupe: Stanley McKay's No 1 Pantomime Company.

- Cast and production mostly as for previous Victorian tour.

- Melbourne tour incl. St Kilda (Lyric Theatre; 2 Nov. -) • Brunswick

(Stadium Grounds; 21 Nov. -) • Footscray (Barkley Theatre; 12-18 Dec.) •

Footscray (Barkley Theatre; 26-31 Dec.).

- The company's whereabouts between 19 and 25 December have not yet been

established (the Barkley Theatre staged vaudeville for that week). NB: Neither of Stanley McKay's pantomime companies appear to have staged Robinson

Crusoe in 1915 or 1916.

1919: Queensland regional tour; ca. Aug. - Dec. [21 weeks]

- Dir. Harry Taylor; Prod/Mngr. Harry Taylor and Alf Coleman; M Dir. E. J. Golding; T Mngr. Jack Campbell.

- Cast incl. Bert Desmond, Joe Charles, Harry Taylor, Emili Dani (Citronella), Mattie Jansen and Maude Shipp (the

Babes), Ilma Burns, Janet Waldren, Julia Reeves, Ivy Marshall, Florence Walker (principal boy), Cora Trevor, Vicky

Gresham, Alice White, Francis Smith, Ida Berkley.

- The tour, which played some fifty-one towns, also included the pantomimes: Babes in the Wood and Little Jack

Horner.

- Tour itinerary incl. Townsville (Theatre Royal; 23-27 Sept.).

MOTHER GOOSE; OR, THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG: [aka BOY

BLUE] [pantomime] Lib. Frederick W. Weierter; Mus incl. Frederick W. Weierter

A reworking of the traditional pantomime favourite, with original music by Frederick Weierter,The narrative revolves around

the wicked designs of Old King Cole to secure both Little Red Riding Hood and the Goose that lays the golden egg. He is

frustrated in his attempts, however, by the Fairy and Boy Blue (Northern Miner 31 Aug. 1915, 2). Jim Gerald and Will Raynor also

reportedly incorporated a clever burlesque on East Lynne into one of the scenes.

The Prahan Telegraph records that one of the distinguishing features of the pantome was the quiet style which Jim Gerald

imparted into the character of Mother Goose. The writer suggests that this served to develop much true humour, better than a more

boisterous attitude would have done... The review also notes that he wore many dresses, did some clever acrobatic feats, and kept

the fun (7 Nov. 1914, 6).

Mother Goose is believed to have been created in early 1914 especially for Stanley McKay's newly formed pantomime

company - established after his previous company had disbanded following the conclusion of a six months New Zealand tour.

Songs incorporated into the 1914 productions included: "King of the Devils" (Keeley), "Death of Nelson" (Raynor), "In the

Cornfields" and "All That I Ask is Love" (Jennings), "Maryland" (Rose Coleman), "Meet Me in Starlight" (Jennings and R.

Coleman). One of the songs known to have been presented in 1915 was "My Hero" (the waltz song from The Chocolate Soldier)

which was sung by the Fontenoy Girls (Northern Miner 31 Aug. 1915, 2).

Changing specialty acts were regularly inserted into the pantomime. The 1916 Brisbane production featured, for example,

Levarto the magician and Shipp and Little (patterologists/dancers). The pantomime also included a "stirring patriotic tableau

entitled "'Britannia'" ("Royal Pantomime," 7).

Dubbo Liberal and Maquarie

Advocate (NSW) 31 July 1914, 5.

NB 1: The 1916 New Zealand tour saw the pantiomimne referred to mostly as Boy Blue.

NB 2: Mother Goose was feature production for Stanley Mckay's No 1 Pantomime Company between 1914 and 1916, and as such generally

opened each season. The MG abbreviation is used below to indicate known productions dates. All other dates identify only the season dates,

which may or may not have included performances of Mother Goose. This might included, for example, a one-night return season.

1914: New South Wales tour; ca. Apr. -

- Dir/Prod. Stanley McKay.

- Troupe: Stanley McKay's No 1 Pantomime Company.

- Cast incl. Jim Gerald (the dame), Will Raynor, Fred Keeley, Essie Jennings, Rosie Coleman, Carmen Coleman

Richard Dunbar, Ivy Aldous, Alma Aldous, Annie Lillilund, Bante Rhys, Hettie Peel, Arthur King (initial dame).

- Tour incl. Singleton (30 Apr. - 1 May > MG) • Dubbo (Empire Theatre 16 June -) • Lismore (Federal Hall; 7 July -) •

Grafton (Market Square; 15 July - > MG 15 July -) • Dubbo (Empire Theatre; 31 July - > return season).

- Jim Gerald and Essie Jennings did not join the company until sometime around June-July. Prior to their inclusion the

dame was played by Arthur King, with Hettie King as principal boy.

- A return season in Dubbo on 31 July did not include Mother Goose.

1914: Victorian regional tour; ca. Sept - Oct.

- Troupe: Stanley McKay's No 1 Pantomime Company.

- Cast and production mostly as for New South Wales tour.

- Tour incl. Wangaratta (cnr Reid and Ovens streets; 14 Sept. - ) • Beechworth (Federal Hall; 3-5 Oct. > MG 3 Oct.) •

Euroa (12-14 Oct.) • Shepparton (behind Post Office; 26-27 Oct. > MG 26 Oct.)

- NB: While it is still unclear when Jim Gerald took over the role of director/stage director, this most likely occurred by the time the

company arrived in Melbourne in late 1914.

1914: Melbourne suburban tour; 2 Nov. - 31 Dec.

- Troupe: Stanley McKay's No 1 Pantomime Company.

- Cast incl. Jim Gerald (Mother Goose), Will Raynor (Old King Cole), Fred Keeley (Midi, the King of the Devils),

Essie Jennings (Boy Blue), Rose Coleman (Red Riding Hood), Carmen Coleman (Johnny Stout), Richard Dunbar

(The Wolf), Ivy Aldous, Alma Aldous, Annie Lillilund (Queen of the Fairies), Bante Rhys; Ballet - Vera Drummond,

Eva Morris, Tessie Morton, Melba Mowbray, Sioyl Ray, Iline Scott, Gertie Studholme, Bessie Utting.

- Tour incl. St Kilda (Lyric Theatre; 2 Nov. > MG 2-6, 14 Nov.) • (Brunswick (Stadium Grounds; 21 Nov. - > MG) •

Footscray (Barkley Theatre; 12-18 Dec. - > MG) • Footscray (Barkley Theatre; 26-31 Dec.). The company's

whereabouts between 19 and 25 December have not yet been established (the Barkley Theatre presented a vaudeville

programme for that week).

NB: It is unclear when McKay and the Fullers began their joint association. This would have certainly started by the time the company

played the Bijou Theatre and continued through until the 1915 season in Auckland, New Zealand. Whether the New South Wales of

Victorian tours were joint productions is yet to be ascertained.

1915: Melbourne suburban tour; 2 Jan. - ca. Mar.

- Troupe: Stanley McKay's No 1 Pantomime Company.

- Cast and production mostly as for the 1914 suburban tour.

- Tour incl. (Empress Theatre, Prahan; 2 Jan. - > MG 2-8 Jan.) •

(Barkley Theatre, Footscray, Melb; 16-22 Jan.) • - NB: The company played a season at the Bijou Theatre (Melb) between 13

and 31 March. Mother Goose does not appear to have been produced. The

works staged were Little Bo-Peep and Old Mother Hubbard). The season

was produced in association with Fullers Theatres.

1915: Crystal Theatre, Broken Hill (New South Wales); 3-17 Apr. [MG 10-14

Apr.] - Troupe: Stanley McKay's No 1 Pantomime Company.

- Cast and production mostly as for St Kilda season.

1915: King's Theatre, Adelaide; 15-21 May

- Troupe: Stanley McKay's No 1 Pantomime Company.

- Cast and production mostly as for St Kilda season.

- Additional feature performers included Jessie and Dolly Miller,

Denis Carney, Atlas Brothers, Herman and Shirley.

1915: Melrose Theatre, Perth; 29 May

- Troupe: Stanley McKay's No 1 Pantomime Company.

- Cast and production mostly as for Adelaide season.

1915: Western Australian goldfields tour; ca. June-July

- Troupe: Stanley McKay's No 1 Pantomime Company.

- Cast and production mostly as for Adelaide season .

- Itinerary incl. Boulder (Town Hall; 12 July -) • Kalgoorlie (Town

Hall; 15 July -)

1915: Princess Theatre, Sydney; 14-21 Aug.

- Troupe: Stanley McKay No 1 Pantomime Company.

- Cast and production mostly as for Adelaide season

- Trick cyclist William (Billy) Billy Speed played Matilda the Goose.

Argus (Melbourne) 2 Nov. 1914, 16.

1915: Victoria Theatre, Newcastle (New South Wales); ca. Sept.

- Dir. Stanley McKay; Prod. Stanley McKay in assoc. with Fullers' Theatres Ltd.

- Troupe: Stanley McKay No 1 Pantomime Company.

- Cast and production mostly as for Princess Theatre season (incl. William Speed)

1915: Queensland regional tour; ca. Aug - Oct.

- Prod. Stanley McKay in association with Birch Carroll (and Coyle).

- Troupe: Stanley McKay No 2 Pantomime Company.

- Cast incl. Bruce Drysdale (Mother Goose), Phyllis Faye (Little Boy Blue), Harry McDonna (Old King Cole), Ivy

Marsden (Little Red Riding Hood), Lilian Fontenoy (Fairy Queen), Andrew Hodge (The Wicked Wolf), Marjorie Ivy

(Fairy), Florrie Horan, The Three Greshams, Fredo Brothers, Frank and Free.

- The Queensland tour included seasons on the Birch, Carroll (and Coyle) circuit.

- Production dates incl. Townsville (Theatre Royal; 23 Aug.) • Charters Towers (Theatre Royal; 30 Aug.)

1915: Opera House, Auckland (New Zealand); 4 - ca. 25 Oct.

- Dir. Jim Gerald; Prod. Stanley McKay in association with Fullers Theatres Ltd.

- Troupe: Stanley McKay No 1 Pantomime Company.

- Cast incl. Jim Gerald (Mother Goose), Will Raynor (Old King Cole), Essie Jennings (Boy Blue), Rose Coleman (Red

Riding Hood), Carmen Coleman (Johnny Stout), Richard Dunbar (The Wolf).

- NB: The Auckland season was produced under the management of the Fullers (in association with Stanley McKay). The rest of the

tour appears to have been produced by George Stephenson (in association with McKay).

1915: New Zealand Dominion tour; ca. 30 Oct - 31 Dec.

- Dir. Jim Gerald; Prod. Stanley McKay in association with George Stephenson Alf Linley.

- Cast mostly as for Auckland season.

- Itinerary incl. Thames (King's Theatre; 30 Oct. - 1 Nov. > MG 30 Nov.) • Paeroa (Criterion Theatre; 3 Nov. > MG) •

Hawera (Opera House; 24 Nov. > MG) • Wanganui (Opera House; 18 Nov. > MG) • Eltham (26 Nov.) • Patea (27

Nov.) • Waverley (29 Nov.) • Palmerston North (ca. 5 Dec.) • Shannon (Gillandria Hall; 7 Dec.) • Greymouth (Opera

House; 31 Dec. > MG)

1916: New Zealand Dominion tour; ca. 1 Jan. - ca. Mar.

- Troupe: Stanley McKay No 1 Pantomime Company.

- Cast mostly as for 1915 leg of the New Zealand tour.

- Itinerary incl. Greymouth (1-3 Jan. > MG 1 Jan.) • Nelson (Theatre Royal; 15-17 Jan. > MG 14 Jan) • Blenheim (His

Majesty's; 19-21 Jan. > MG 19 Jan.) • Gisborne (Opera House; 1-5 Feb. > MG 1-2 Feb.) • Masterton (Town Hall; 15-16

Feb. > MG 15 Feb.) • Auckland (Grand Opera House; 19 Feb. > MG 19 Feb.) • Wellington (Grand Opera House; 26 Feb.

-) • Levin (Town Hall; 6 Mar. -).

1916: Star Theatre, Parramatta (New South Wales); 22 Jan. -

- Prod. Stanley McKay.

- Troupe: Stanley McKay's Pantomime Company (aka Stanley McKay's No 2 Pantomime Company).

- Cast incl. Bruce Drysdale, Phyllis Faye, Harry Little, Harry McDonna, Dot Ireland, Daphne Lee, Lucy Gresham,

Alma Gresham, Nellie Hall, Banty Rays (aka Bante Rhys), Will Morrow.

1916: Theatre Royal, Brisbane; 12 Mar. [1 pfm only]

- Dir. Harry Taylor; Prod. Stanley McKay in assoc. with Holland and St

John/Fullers' Theatres; S Mngr. Andrew Hodge; S Art. Ray Phillips.

- Troupe: Royal Pantomime Company (aka Stanley McKay's No 2

Pantomime Company).

- Cast incl. Bruce Drysdale, Phyllis Faye, Harry Little, Esme McLellan, Jim

Gaffney, Maud Shipp, Anita Cohen, Willie McDonald, Maisie Green,

Constance Wallis, Miss Ray Barnard, Janet Hopkins, Ethel Wilson, Nellie

Hall, Eva Morris, Bessie Utting, Dora Tate, Marjorie Ford, Aileen Wills,

Jessica French, Anna Collins, The Fontenoys (singers), Mdlle Beebe

(continental danseuse), Phil Levarto (magician).

- The season also included productions of Old Mother Hubbard, beginning 4

March and Bo-Peep on 13 March. - While there is no mention in advertising or production reviews of McKay's

involvement as director/producer of the 1916 Brisbane season, evidence from other

sources indicates that the Royal Pantomime Company was in fact his No 2

Pantomime Company. The strongest evidence comes from an article published in

Australian Variety (5 Jan. 1916, n. pag.) which records that Phyllis Faye and her

husband Bruce Drysdale had been associated with McKay on and off since 1910,

with the latest engagement with McKay's No 2 Company having begun in March

1915. The same article also refers to the "current" Queensland tour. A par

accompanying the photograph of Faye published in the February 1916 issue of the

Theatre also notes: "Latterly [Faye] has been principal boy in that manager's No 2

Co., so called - not in order of merit - but merely because of its formation after the

first company had been sent out" (11).

Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate

(Parramatta, NSW) 22 Jan. 1916, 12.

"Amusements: Mother Goose." Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW) 12 Apr. 1915, 3.

"Boy Blue Pantomime." New Zealand Truth (Wellington, NZ) 12 Feb. 1916, 7.

Dinkum. "Newcastle Notes: Victoria Theatre." Australian Variety (Sydney) 8 Sept. 1915, n. pag.

"Empress Theatre." Prahran Telegraph (Melbourne) 9 Jan. 1915, 5.

Footlight. "Dramatic and Musical." Freelance (Wellington, NZ) 25 Feb. 1916, 25.

"Lyric Theatre." Prahran Telegraph (Melbourne) 7 Nov. 1914, 6.

"McKay Pantomime Co's Visit." Western Champion (Barcaldine, Qld) 11 Sepr. 1915, 7.

"Mother Goose." Ohinemuri Gazette (Paeroa, NZ) 5 Nov. 1915, 3.

"Mother Goose." Wanganui Chronicle (NZ) 18 Nov. 1915, 6.

"Mother Goose Pantomime." Age (Melbourne)2 Nov. 1914, 7.

"Mother Goose Pantomime." Northern Miner (Charters Towers, Qld) 30 Aug. 1915, 5.

"Mother Goose Pantomime." Northern Miner (Charters Towers, Qld) 31 Aug. 1915, 2.

"Mother Goose Pantomime." Colonist (Nelson, NZ) 13 Jan. 1916, 7.

"Mother Goose Pantomime." Townsville Daily Bulletin (Qld) 23 Aug. 1915, 6.

"Mother Goose Pantomime." Grey River Argus (Greymouth, NZ) 27 Dec. 1915, 3.

"Mother Goose Pantomime." Colonist (Nelson, NZ) 8 Jan. 1916, 7.

"Mother Goose: Pantomime at Thames, Successful Performance." Thames Star (NZ) 1 Nov. 1915, 4.

"Mother Goose Pantomime Opera House Tomorrow Night." Hawera and Normanby Star (NZ) 23 Nov. 1915, 5.

"Mother Goose Pantomime Opera House - Tonight." Grey River Argus (Greymouth, NZ) 31 Dec. 1915, 5.

"Mother Goose: The Beautiful Pantomime." Shepperton Advertiser (Vic) 29 Oct. 1914, 3.

"Princess Theatre." Australian Variety (Sydney) 25 Aug. 1915, n. pag.

"Royal Pantomime Company - At the Royal." Truth (Brisbane) 12 Mar. 1916, 7. [see also advert. 12 Mar. 1916, 7]

"Seaside Pantomime: Mother Goose." Argus (Melbourne) 3 Nov. 1914, 11.

"Stanley McKay Company." Ovens and Murray Advertiser (Vic) 7 Oct. 1914, 2.

"Stanley McKay's Pantomime." Australian Variety (Sydney) 8 Sept. 1915, n. pag.

"Stanley McKay's Pantomime." Australian Variety (Sydney) 18 Nov. 1914, n. pag.

HUMPTY DUMPTY: [pantomime] Lib/Mus. Harry Taylor

Described as a pantomime burlesque in 1920, the first established staging of Humpty Dumpty was in Wangaratta during the

1914 Victorian tour by Edward Jasper's Pantomime Company. Most of that company were engaged by George Stephenson and

Alf Linley for a tour of New Zealand beginning November that same year.

The 1914-15 New Zealand tour saw acrobatic comedy trio Lennon, Hymen, Lennon present their specialty item "Fun in a

Restaurant." Two other features of the production are said to been the scenic setting "March of the Allies" and Harry Whaite's

transformation scene "Dreamland" (presented in 6 scenes). The ballets included "The Egg," "Can Can" and "Tango." NB: The HD abbreviation is used below to indicate known productions dates. All other dates identify only the season dates, which may or

may not have included performances of Humpty Dumpty. 1914: McCardell's Paddock, Wangaratta (Victoria); 15 Sept. -

- Prod. Edward Jasper; Adv Rep. Jack Howard.

- Troupe: Jasper's Pantomime Company.

- Cast incl. Con Moreni, Ida Ingersole, Charles Howard, Olive

Robinson, Ailsa Sherbrook, H. Dickinson, Ernie Lathbrook,

Stella Cazalla, Mollie King, Gloria Gould.

- The Wangarrata season is the first established todate. Humpty

Dumpty was likely produced by Jasper's Pantomime Company

prior to this date, however (and possibly as early as May 1914).

The company's repertoire by the time of its Victorian tour

included Bluebeard and The Jam of Cathay.

1914: New Zealand Dominion tour; ca. Nov-Dec.

- Prod. George Stephenson and Alf Linley; M Dir. Harry Taylor.

- Troupe: Stephenson and Linley Combination (aka Humpty

Dumpty Pantomime Company)

- Cast incl. Con Moreni (Widow Buttercup), Ida Ingersole

(Humpty Dumpty), Charles Howard (King Dazzlum), Olive

Robinson (Jack Buttercup), Elsie Nicolas, Ernest Lashbrook,

Mollie King (Lolita), Pearl Smaile (Conrad), Stella Cazalla

(Hassarac), Alice Whittle (Hadji), Bertha Ashman (Saji), Ethel

Clifford, Lennon, Hymen and Lennon.

- Tour incl. Wellington (Grand Opera House; 21 Nov. -) •

Lyttelton (Theatre Royal; 28 Nov. - 3 Dec. > HD 28 Nov- 1 Dec.)

• Ashburton (Theatre Royal; 23 Dec. -) • Greymouth (30-31

Dec.).

Grey River Argus (Greymouth, NZ) 29 Dec. 1914, 1.

1915: New Zealand Dominion tour; 1 Jan. - ca. Feb/Mar.

- Prod. George Stephenson and Alf Linley; M Dir. Harry Taylor.

- Troupe: Stephenson and Linley Combination (aka Humpty Dumpty Pantomime Company)

- Cast and productions as for 1914 Dominion tour.

- Tour incl. Greymouth (1-6 Jan. > HD 1 Jan.) • Nelson (Theatre Royal; 13 Jan. - ) • Blenheim (His Majesty's; 18-20 Jan.

> HD 18-19 Jan.) • Gisborne (Opera House; 6 Feb. - ) • Wanganui (Opera House; 18-20 Feb. > HD 18-19 Feb.)

1916: Vacant block near Imperial Hotel, Singleton (NSW); 27-29 Jan.

- Prod. Edward Jasper; Tour Mngr. J. R. Howard.

- Troupe: Jasper's Pantomime Company.

- Repertoire also included Little Jack Horner.

1920: Taylor and Coleman's Pantomime Company regional Queensland tour; ca. June/July

- Dir/Prod. Harry Taylor and Alf Coleman.

- Cast incl. Daisy Dale (principal boy), Bert Desmond, Joe Charles, Emile Dani, Mattie Jansen, Violet Mae, Maude

Hemsworth, Mavis Swindon, Janie Langford, Millie Hope, F. Barber.

- Tour itinerary incl. Maryborough (Town Hall; 8-10 June).

"Humpty Dumpty Pantomime." Colonist (Nelson, NZ) 12 Jan. 1915, 7.

"Humpty Dumpty Pantomime." Marborough Express (NZ) 14 Jan. 1915, 8.

"Humpty Dumpty Pantomime." Poverty Bay Herald (Gisborne, NZ) 6 Feb. 1915, 7.

"Humpty Dumpty Pantomime: A Huge Success." Grey River Argus (Greymouth, NZ) 31 Dec. 1914, 5.

"Jasper's Big Pantomime Co." Wangaratta Chronicle (Vic) 16 Sept. 1914, 2.

THIS IS THE LIFE [aka THE PIANO MOVERS / HOKEY POKEY] [revusical] Txt. Paul

Stanhope; Mus. [n/e]

Having left the American Burlesque Company earlier in the year, American

comedian Paul Stanhope decided to remain in Australia. Utilising the services of former

colleagues - notably Harry Burgess and the Grafters' Quartette - along with local

performers and chorus girls, he formed his own company, opening in Melbourne at

Footscray's Barkely Theatre with a two week trial season. The opening show was the

Piano Mover. The story features Irishman Spike Murphy, the character which effectively

served as Stanhope's alter ego during the years he remained in the Australasian region.

When Stanhope opened his official season with Brennan-Fuller at Melbourne's Bijou

(Melbounre) on Boxing Day he renamed the show This is the Life.

Described as a "condensed musical burlesque"1 with seven part characters and a

chorus of twelve who sing, dance and/or perform specialty acts, This is the Life was

likely written by Stanhope with contributions from other members of the original

company. The action appears to have unfolded within various parts of a hotel, including a

restaurant. Reference is made to the war in a section played out by Arthur Renshaw and a

chorus of girls "personifying the Allies" (X-Ray, 35). Stanhope's Spike Murphy character

was reportedly a piano mover in this production. Other characters include Charlie Wise

(landlord), Google-Eyed Hogan (Spike's friend), Adolf (a waiter), Lord No Coin (up

against it), Jannette Dupree (a jolly widow), and Dolly Dollars (her friend).

Songs included in the 1915 production included the opening chorus (The Grafters),

"I'll Get You," Here Comes the Whip, Poor Will (coon quartet), "Sail On, Silvery Moon,"

and "It's a Long Way to Tickle Mary."

The Register's review of the Adelaide production, presented as the season opener in 1916 notes:

The revue opened with a brightly illuminated terrace drawing room scene, in which Murpny and Hogan, two piano movers,

decide to create a union, so that their grievances may be adjusted. Murphy becomes the President, Secretary, and Treasurer,

and Hogan is the 'union.' The two men find themselves in amusing predicaments, and Paul Stanhope, in the role of Murphy,

keeps the audience in roars of laughter through out the piece ("King's," 7).

In a review of the same production published in the Daily Herald, the critic further notes that "the climax was reached when

[Murphy] agreed to earn £20 by impersonating a millionaire. His table manners [however] brought him quickly into conflict with

the waiter and the hotel manager" ("King's Theatre," 21 Feb. 1916, 2).

Renamed Hokey Pokey in 1917, the Brisbane Telegraph records that the show's opening night was met with hardly a vacant

seat in the Empire Theatre. The review also appears to indicate that few changes had been made to the general story outline:

Old friend Spike Murphy, a piano mover, and his friend Hogan run up against all sorts of offers to make money if they will

only carry out certain undertakings. Those are many and varied, and include the taking of the part of a stepfather. One can

easily imagine the host of comical situations that accrued. Mr. Stanhope, of course, was Spike, and Will Raynor filled the

dual parts of his friend and of a French waiter. Others were: Charley Wise, the landlord (Val Newman), Lord No-Coin (Geo.

M'Call), Janette Dupree, a jolly widow (Helen Le Cain), Dolly Dollars, her friend (Lottie Newman), and Hazel, aguest (Edna

M'Call) ("Amusements: Empire," 8).

1 "Potted Burlesque." Table Talk (Melbourne) 31 Dec. (1914), 25.

Advertiser (Footscray, Melbourne)

14 Nov. 1914, 2.

In 1919 the Brisbane Courier provides further evidence that Hokey Pokey and This is the Life were was essentially the same

show when it notes: "A riot of fun and humour Spike Murphy in this revusical plays a piano mover" (12 May 1919, n. pag.). The

musical elements inserted into the 1919 production included the song, "I Love a Piano" (sung by the Grafters Quartet), the ballet

"Amsterdam" (Pearl Livingstone and the Ginger Girls) and the dance, "Valse Coppelia" (Eileen and Gwen Moloney).

1914: Barkly Theatre, Footscray (Melbourne); 14-20 Nov. [as The Piano Mover]

- Dir. Paul Stanhope.

- Troupe: Paul Stanhope's Grafters Musical Burlesque Company.

- Cast incl. Paul Stanhope (Spike Murphy), Harry Burgess (Charlie Wise), Reg Herbert (Googlie-eyed Hogan), Frank

Norton (Adolph, a waiter), Frank Phillips (Lord No-Coin), Ruby Kennedy (Janette Dupree, a jolly widow), Fritzee De

Guy (Dolly Dollars, her friend); Teddy Long, Harry Ross [1], Arthur Renshaw, Mark Phillips; and the Buty Korus

(incl. Mable Waters, Rena Firth, May Topping and Edie Preble).

- Teddy Long, Harry Ross [1], Arthur Renshaw and Mark Phillips comprised the popular Grafters' Quartette.

1914: Bijou Theatre, Melbourne; 26 Dec. 1914 - 8 Jan. 1915 [2 week season]

- Dir. Paul Stanhope; Prod. Brennan-Fuller; Chor. Fitzee De Guy; S Art. Joe Little.

- Troupe: The Grafters (aka Paul Stanhope's Grafters Musical Burlesque Company)

- Cast incl. Paul Stanhope (Spike Murphy), Les Bates (Charlie Wise), Reg Herbert (Googlie-Eyed Hogan), Frank

Norton (Adolph), Harry Ross [1] (Lord No-Coin), Ruby Kennedy (Janette Dupree, a jolly widow), Fritzee De Guy

(Dolly Dollars, her friend), Teddy Long, Arthur Renshaw, George McCall; and the Buty Korus.

- Grafters Quartette: Teddy Long, Harry Ross [1], Arthur Renshaw and George McCall.

1915: His Majesty's Theatre, Ballarat (Victoria); 6 Feb.

- Cast and production mostly as for previous Melbourne season (Lse. Harry Sadler).

1915: National Amphitheatre, Sydney; 13-26 Feb. [2 week season]

- Cast and production mostly as for previous Melbourne season.

- This was the opening production for Stanhope's seven week season at the National (ending 30 Mar.), and was followed

by two other revusicals On the Farm and Helloa Coogee (previously Hullo St Kilda). The company left for New

Zealand on 31 March.

1915: Opera House, Auckland (New Zealand); 5-10 Apr. [return season: 23-28 Aug.]

- Dir. Paul Stanhope; Prod. Brennan-Fuller; Chor. Fitzee De Guy; S Art. Joe Little.

- Troupe: Paul Stanhope's Big American Revue Company.

- Cast incl. Paul Stanhope (Spike Murphy), Les Bates (Charlie Wise), Reg Herbert (Googlie-Eyed Hogan), Frank

Norton (Adolph), Harry Ross [1] (Lord No-Coin), Ruby Kennedy (Janette Dupree, a jolly widow), Fritzee De Guy

(Dolly Dollars, her friend), Teddy Long, Arthur Renshaw, George McCall; and the New York Ballet (Ella Nugent,

May Topping, Rena Firth, Mabel Hallett, Violet Harding, Alice Lewis).

- Grafters Quartette: Teddy Long, Harry Ross [1], Arthur Renshaw and George McCall.

- Publicity for the Auckland season claimed that the company had come direct from America.

1915: His Majesty's Theatre, Wellington (New Zealand); 10-15 May [return season: 30 Aug. - 4 Sept.]

- Cast and production as for Auckland season.

1915: Opera House, Christchurch (New Zealand); 14-19 June.

- Cast and production as for Auckland season.

- The Grafters Quartette is referred as the 'Frisco Quartet in the Star (15 June 1915, 9).

1915: Princess Theatre; Dunedin (New Zealand); 12-18 July

- Cast and production as for Auckland season.

1915: Victoria Theatre, Newcastle (New South Wales); 25-30 Sept. [return season: 30 Oct. - 5 Nov.)

- Dir. Paul Stanhope; Prod. Fullers' Theatres (in association with Dix-Baker); Chor. Fitzee De Guy; S Art. Joe Little.

- Troupe: Paul Stanhope's American Revue Company.

- Cast incl. Paul Stanhope (Spike Murphy), Les Bates, Frank Norton, Harry Ross [1], Ruby Kennedy, Fritzee De Guy,

Teddy Long, Cliff Toon, George McCall; and the Buty Korus.

- Grafters Quartette: Teddy Long, Harry Ross [1], Cliff Toon and George McCall.

1915: Empire Theatre, Brisbane; 13-19 Nov.

- Dir. Paul Stanhope; Prod. Fullers' Theatres (in association with Holland and St John); Lse. Holland and St John.

- Troupe: Paul Stanhope's Merry Musical Burlesque Company.

- Cast as for Newcastle season.

1916: Bijou Theatre, Melbourne; 8-14 Jan.

- Dir. Paul Stanhope; Prod. Fullers' Theatres; Chor. Fitzee De Guy; S Art. Joe Little.

- Troupe: Paul Stanhope's Burlesque Company.

- Cast as for Newcastle season.

1916: Her Majesty's Theatre, Ballarat (Victoria); 12 Feb.

- Cast and production as for Newcastle season. Produced in association with the management of Her Majesty's Theatre.

1916: King's Theatre, Adelaide; 19-25 Feb.

- Dir. Paul Stanhope; Prod. Fullers' Theatres; Chor. Fitzee De Guy; S Art. Joe Little.

- Troupe: Paul Stanhope's Burlesque Company.

- Cast incl. Paul Stanhope (Jake Hogan), Les Bates (Charlie Wise), Gus Franks (Hogan, Spike's friend), Reg Herbert

(Adolph), George McCall (Lord No-Coin), Ruby Kennedy (Janette Dupree), Fritzee De Guy (Dolly Dollars), Allen

James, Teddy Long, Cliff Toon; and the Buty Korus (incl. Doris Lyle, Mabel Hallett, Lamie Bancroft, Alice Lewis).

- Harry Ross is believed to have left the company in order to enlist in the Australian Imperial Forces (A.I.F.).

1916: Melrose Theatre, Perth; 1-8 Apr.

- Cast and production as for Adelaide season.

1916: Princess Theatre, Fremantle (Western Australia); 39 Apr. - 5 May

- Cast and production as for Adelaide season.

1916: Tivoli Theatre, Collie (Western Australia); 20 May

- Cast and production as for Adelaide season. Produced in association with Tivoli Union Pictures.

1916: Lyric Theatre, Bunbury (Western Australia); 24 May

- Cast and production as for Adelaide season.

1916: His Majesty's Theatre, Geelong (Victoria); 3 June

- Cast and production as for Adelaide season.

1916: Princess Theatre, Sydney; 10-16 June

- Cast and production as for Adelaide season. Produced in association with Harry Sadler and Jack Kearns.

1917: Empire Theatre, Brisbane; 16-22 June [as Hokey Pokey]

- Dir. Paul Stanhope; Prod. Fullers' Theatres Ltd.

- Troupe: Paul Stanhope Revue Company.

- Cast incl. Paul Stanhope (Spike Murphy), Val Newman, Lottie Newman, Will Raynor, Helen Le Cain, George

McCall, Edna McCall, Gerald Cashman, Teddy Long, Cliff Toon, Gus Lugan; and the Ginger Girls (Mabel Hallet,

Cerice Caselli, Polly McLaren, Eileen Maloney, Gwen Maloney, Rose Brennan, Avis Porter, Thea Shirley.

- Grafters Quartette: Gerald Cashman, Teddy Long, Cliff Toon, George McCall.

1919: Theatre Royal, Brisbane; 10-16 May [as Hokey Pokey]

- Dir. Paul Stanhope; Prod. Fullers' Theatres Ltd.

- Troupe: Paul Stanhope Musical Comedy Revue Company.

- Cast incl. Paul Stanhope, Mark Erickson, Ernest Pitcher, Bert Morrison, Helen Le Cain, Peal Livingstone, Maud

Miles; and the Ginger Girls (Eileen Moloney, Ivy McKay, Cerise Caselli, Nicole Brady, Hilda Lynn, Ruby Solomon,

Elsie Baron and Gwen Moloney).

- The Grafters Quartet comprised: H. Hart, F. Webber, Bert Morrison and Cliff O'Keefe.

- The company was forced to abandon its season at the Empire Theatre on 6 May due to concerns over the spread of the

Spanish Flu epidemic. The Fullers temporarily moved their operations to the Theatre Royal from 8 May (with this

theatre being better ventilated). Other productions staged during the Brisbane season included: Roley Poley, Safety

First, Fine! Fine Fine! and See-Saw.

"Amusements: Dix and Baker's Players." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW) 27 Sept. 1915, 6.

"Amusements: Empre Theatre." Daily Standard (Brisbane) 16 June 1917, 8.

"Amusements: Melrose Theatre." Daily News (Perth) 3 Apr. 1916, 1.

"Amusements: The Stanhope Revue." Evening Star (Dunedin, NZ) 13 July 1915, 6.

"Barkly Theatre: Stanhope's Grafters Company, The." Independent (Footscray, Vic) 14 Nov. 1914, 2).

"Entertainments: Melrose Theatre." West Australian (Perth) 3 Apr. 1916, 8.

"Entertainments: This is the Life - Vaudeville Gambol." Dominion (Wellington, NZ) 11 May 1915, 3.

"Evening Entertainments: Empire Theatre." Telegraph (Brisbane) 15 Nov. 1915, 4.

"Her Majesty's Theatre." Ballerat Courier (Vic) 6 Feb. 1915, 11.

"King's Theatre." Register (Adelaide) 21 Feb. 1916, 7.

X-Ray. "Paul Stanhope Musical Burlesque Co." Theatre Magazine (Sydney) Mar. 1915, 35.

FUN ON THE FARM: [aka FOOLING THE FARMER / ON A FARM / DOWN ON THE

FARM / TWIRLY WHIRLY] [revusical] Txt. Paul Stanhope; Mus. [n/e]

Although best known as Fun on the Farm, this second-ever revusical from Paul Stanhope during his tenure in Australia made

its debut as Fooling the Farmer.

The characters in the show, which is set in the present," include Jake Hogan, Si Perkins (a police constable, "boss" of the

town, and the farmer), Henry Philgarlick [or Filgarlic] (a cab driver), Pete Jennings (a farm hand), Edith Strathmore, Rosie

Perkins, a bunco man, and various villagers, farm hands, dairy maids etc. During the years 1914-1915 Stanhope's character was

Jake Hogan, one of the very few times he did not play Spike Murphy. By 1919 the character was changed to his better-known alter

ego. The Register (Adelaide) reports in 1916 that "the revue opened with an effective farm and harvesting scene, in which the

hands were engaged." The critic ads: "Perkins engages Hogan on an impossible task, and the latter amusingly attempts to fulfil his

duties. No plot is submitted, but ludicrous fooling is provided by Paul Stanhope and others ("King's Theatre," 28 Feb. 1916, 7).

Stanhope renamed the show Twirly Whirly when he toured in 1917. A brief synopsis published in the Telegraph (Brisbane)

May that confirms the relationship:

Jake Hogan (Paul Stanhope) is one of the boys at Si Perkins's (Val Newman) farm. Pete Jennings (George McCall) is in love

with Rosie (Lottie Newman), Si's daughter. Pete is induced by Henry Fitzgarlick (Will Raynor) to personate a statue, which

he sells to Si Perkins, who with Jake Hogan is chasing Ethel Stanmore (Edna M'Call), a merry, widow. This is the story, but

it is almost lost sight of in whimsical nonsense - of which the audience cannot get enough ("Entertainments," 5).

Presented in 1919 and 1920 largely as Down on the Farm, Dunedin's Evening Star newspaper records:

A rollicking bit of nonsense… the fun is largely of the shouting, bun-throwing, knock-about type that arouses the loud

guffaw. Spike Murphy finds scope for his humor in the yard of an inn amongst the straw and farm implements. He is aided

and abetted by Mark Erickson, the constable who also apparently runs the farm ("Princess," 8).

NB: It is unclear as to what relationship this revusical has with several other similarly titled revusicals staged in Australia over the course of

the next decade or so. These include: Arthur Morley's On the Land (1916); Art Slavin's On the Ranch (1916) Fooling the Farmer (also

sometimes referred to as Fun on a Farm) produced on the Clay circuit in 1917; and Fun on the Farm (Billy Cass, 1926). The characters (as per

1919) included Si Perkins (an irascible old constable) and Filgarlick (a cab-driver in search of easy money).

Theatre Magazine (Sydney) Apr. 1915, 1.

1914: Barkly Theatre, Footscray (Melbourne); 21-27 Nov. [as Fooling the Farmer]

- Dir. Paul Stanhope.

- Troupe: Paul Stanhope's Grafters Musical Burlesque Company.

- Cast incl. Paul Stanhope (Jake Hogan), Harry Burgess, Reg Herbert, Frank Norton, Mark Phillips, Ruby Kennedy

Fritzee De Guy, Teddy Long, Harry Ross [1], Arthur Renshaw, Mark Phillips; and the Buty Korus (incl. Mable

Waters, Rena Firth, May Topping and Edie Preble).

- Teddy Long, Harry Ross [1], Arthur Renshaw and Mark Phillips comprised the popular Grafters' Quartette.

1915: Bijou Theatre, Melbourne; 9-22 Jan. [2 week season]

- Dir. Paul Stanhope; Prod. Fullers' Theatres Ltd; Chor. Fitzee De Guy; S Art. Joe Little.

- Troupe: Paul Stanhope Merry Musical Burlesque Company.

- Cast incl. Paul Stanhope (Jake Hogan), Les Bates (Si Perkins), Reg Herbert, Ruby Kennedy, Frank Norton (Henry

Philgarlick), Harry Ross [1] (Pete Jennings), Teddy Long, Arthur Renshaw, George McCall, Ruby Kennedy (Ethel

Strathmore), Fritzee De Guy (Rosie Perkins).

- Grafters Quartette: Harry Ross [1], Teddy Long, Arthur Renshaw and George McCall.

1915: National Amphitheatre, Sydney; 27 Feb. - 12 Mar. [2 week season]

- Cast and production mostly as for Melbourne season.

- The second of three productions staged by the Stanhope company during the seven week Sydney season (Feb/Mar.) at

the National. The other productions being This is the Life and Hello Manly (previously Hullo St Kilda).

1915: Opera House, Auckland (New Zealand); 12-17 Apr. [return season: 3-8 May]

- Dir. Paul Stanhope; Prod. Brennan-Fuller; Chor. Fitzee De Guy; S Art. Joe Little.

- Troupe: Paul Stanhope's Big American Revue Company.

- Cast incl. Paul Stanhope, Les Bates, Reg Herbert, Frank Norton, Harry Ross [1], Ruby Kennedy, Fritzee De Guy,

Teddy Long, Arthur Renshaw, George McCall; and the New York Ballet (Ella Nugent, May Topping, Rena Firth,

Mabel Hallett, Violet Harding, Alice Lewis).

- Grafters Quartette: Teddy Long, Harry Ross [1], Arthur Renshaw and George McCall.

1915: His Majesty's Theatre, Wellington (New Zealand); 17-22 May. [return season: 6-11 Sept.]

- Cast and production mostly as for Auckland season.

- This last of the 1915 New Zealand productions. The company subsequently returned to Australia and disbanded.

1915: Opera House, Christchurch (New Zealand); 21-26 June. [as Fun on a Farm]

- Cast and production as for Auckland season.

- Grafters Quartette billed as the 'Frisco Quartet.

1915: Princess Theatre; Dunedin (New Zealand); 19-24 July

- Cast and production as for Auckland season.

1915: Opera House, Auckland (New Zealand); 23-28 Aug. [return Auckland season]

- Cast and production as for Auckland season.

1915: Victoria Theatre, Newcastle (New South Wales); 1-8 Oct.

- Dir. Paul Stanhope; Prod. Fullers' Theatres (in association with Dix-Baker); Chor. Fitzee De Guy; S Art. Joe Little.

- Troupe: Paul Stanhope's American Revue Company.

- Cast incl. Paul Stanhope (Spike Murphy), Les Bates, Frank Norton, Harry Ross [1], Ruby Kennedy, Fritzee De Guy,

Teddy Long, Cliff Toon, George McCall; and the Buty Korus.

- Grafters Quartette: Teddy Long, Harry Ross [1], Cliff Toon and George McCall.

1915: Empire Theatre, Brisbane; 20-26 Nov.; and 8 Dec. [benefit matinee]

- Dir. Paul Stanhope; Prod. Fullers' Theatres (in association with Holland and St John);

- Troupe: Paul Stanhope Merry Musical Burlesque Company.

- Cast as for Newcastle season.

- The 8 December matinee performance was part of a benefit give to the widow of Percy St John.

1916: Bijou Theatre, Melbourne; 15-21 Jan.

- Dir. Paul Stanhope; Prod. Fullers' Theatres Ltd; Chor. Fitzee De Guy; S Art. Joe Little.

- Troupe: Paul Stanhope's Burlesque Company.

- Cast as for Newcastle season.

1916: Her Majesty's Theatre, Ballarat (Victoria); 14 Feb.

- Cast and production as for Newcastle season. Produced in association with the management of Her Majesty's Theatre.

1916: King's Theatre, Adelaide; 26 Feb. - 3 Mar.

- Dir. Paul Stanhope; Prod. Fullers' Theatres; Chor. Fitzee De Guy; S Art. Joe Little.

- Troupe: Paul Stanhope's Burlesque Company.

- Cast incl. Paul Stanhope (Jake Hogan), Les Bates (Si Perkins), Gus Franks (Henry Filgarlick), Reg Herbert, George

McCall (Pete Jennings), Ruby Kennedy (Ethel Strathmore), Fritzee De Guy (Rosie Perkins), Allen

James, Teddy Long, Cliff Toon; and the Buty Korus (incl. Doris Lyle, Mabel Hallett, Lamie Bancroft, Alice Lewis).

- Grafters Quartette: Teddy Long, Allen James, Cliff Toon and George McCall.

- Harry Ross is believed to have left the company in order to enlist in the Australian Imperial Forces (A.I.F.).

1916: Melrose Theatre, Perth; 8-14 Apr.

- Cast and production as for Adelaide season.

1916: Princess Theatre, Fremantle (Western Australia); 6-12 May

- Cast and production as for Adelaide season.

1916: Lyric Theatre, Bunbury (Western Australia); 25 May

- Cast and production as for Adelaide season.

1916: His Majesty's Theatre, Geelong (Victoria); 5 June

- Cast and production as for Adelaide season.

1916: Princess Theatre, Sydney; 17-23 June

- Cast and production as for Adelaide season. Produced in association with Harry Sadler and Jack Kearns.

1917: National Theatre, Sydney; 14-27 Apr.

- Dir. Paul Stanhope; Prod. Fullers' Theatres Ltd.

- Troupe: Paul Stanhope Revue Company.

- Cast incl. Paul Stanhope (Spike Murphy), Val Newman, Lottie Newman, Will Raynor, Helen Le Cain, George

McCall, Edna McCall, Gerald Cashman, Teddy Long, Cliff Toon, Gus Lugan; and the Ginger Girls (Mabel Hallet,

Cerice Caselli, Polly McLaren, Eileen Maloney, Gwen Maloney, Rose Brennan, Avis Porter, Thea Shirley.

- Grafters Quartette: Gerald Cashman, Teddy Long, Cliff Toon, George McCall.

1917: Empire Theatre, Brisbane; 26 May - 1 June [as Twirly Whirly]

- Cast and production as for Sydney season.

1919: Princess Theatre, Dunedin (New Zealand); 22-27 Sept. [as Down on the Farm]

- Dir. Paul Stanhope; Prod. Fullers' Theatres Ltd.

- Troupe: Paul Stanhope Musical Comedy Revue Company.

- Cast incl. Paul Stanhope (Spike Murphy), Mark Erickson (Si Perkins), Ernest Pitcher (Filgarick), Trueman Neilson,

Harry Hart, Charles Lawrence, Bert Morrison, Helen Le Cain, Maud Miles, Ethel Benetto; and the Glorious Ginger

Girls (Eileen Moloney, Cerise Caselli, Ivy McKay, Nellie Brady, Ruby Solomon, Esther Mitchell, Essie Davis, Gwen

Moloney).

1919: Opera House, Christchurch (New Zealand); 1-6 Dec. [as Down on the Farm]

- Cast and production as for Dunedin season.

1920: Opera House, Auckland (New Zealand); 9-14 Feb. [as Down on the Farm]

- Cast and production as for Dunedin season.

1920: His Majesty's Theatre, Wellington (New Zealand); 1-11 Apr.

- Cast and production as for Dunedin season.

"Amusements: Dix and Baker's Players." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW) 4 Oct. 1915, 6.

"Empire,The." Daily Standard (Brisbane) 28 May 1917, 8.

"Entertainments: Empire Theatre." Telegraph (Brisbane) 28 May 1917, 5.

"Evening Entertainments: Empire Theatre." Telegraph (Brisbane) 22 Nov. 1915, 3.

"Princess Theatre." Evening Star (Dunedin, NZ) 23 Sept. 1919, 8.

"Theatres: Opera House, The." Sun (Christchurch, NZ) 2 Dec. 1919, 9.

"Theatres: Opera House - Fun on a Farm, The." Sun (Christchurch, NZ) 2 June 1915, 9.

THE BABES IN THE WOOD: [pantomime] Lib. Alf J. Lawrance; Orig Mus. Alf J. Lawrance; Add Mus. [n/e]

♪ W.J. Deane and Son, 1914 ["Follow Me Boys"]

Based on the traditional and popular pantomime story, this Alf J. Lawrance adaptation similarly inserts popular characters

from the Robin Hood legend into the tale of the two "babes" kidnapped by ruffians on the orders of their wicked uncle.

Of the thirty songs and dances in the show at least nine were written by Alf J. Lawrence, these being: "Follow Me Boys" and

"It's the Allies" (originally sung by Dorothy Harris); "Boys of the Expedition" (Lola Hunt); the topical trio "Mum's The Word,"

"Dance of the Robins" (ballet), "I Can't Do that Sum" (Marjory Daw's schoolroom number) and three songs for Daisy Jerome - "I

Don't Care," "Anyone Could See She was a Lady" and "Pull for the Shore." Two of the non-Lawrance songs presented in this

production were "Give Me a Piggyback" (The Babes) and "Always Take a Girl Named Daisy" (Daisy Jerome).

The Argus theatre critic wrote of the revised 1915 Princess's Theatre (Melb) production: "The ballets and choruses were

bright and attractive, and the mingling of popular ragtime airs with the usual musical numbers was a novelty that appealed to the

audience" (23 Aug. 1915, 13). It is unclear as to how many song changes were made for the short Bijou season which followed the

Princess's season, and thus the following (mentioned in the Bijou reviews) may or may not have been included in the earlier

production: "I Do Believe I'm in Love" and "I Followed Her Here" (Robin Hood) and "Rose of Italy" (Maid Marion).

Staged in two acts, the production's scenes involved the following

sequences: Act 1: The Babes Nursery' Village of Sherwood; Baron Hardup's

Baronial Hall; On the Sands at Coogee; Floating in the Briny; Woodland Glade

Finale - The Escapade; Act 2: Dame Durden's School-Room; Dingle Dell;

Jeromeland; The Baron's Banqueting Hall; On the Banks of the Missouri; and

The Throne Room in the King's Palace. The specialties staged were: Bathing

Girls; The Dream Boat; the Leaf Ballet; Tipperary March; The Ghost of the

Violin; The Expeditionary Force; Allies March; Flag Tableaux; The Great

International Military Scenes ("The Rock - 1815" and "The Rock 1915"); and

The Grand Concluding Spectacle ("1916 - Peace, Prosperity and Plenty").

1914: Adelphi Theatre, Sydney; 23 Dec. 1914 - 12 Feb. 1915

- Dir. Lester Brown; Prod. George Willoughby; M Dir. Mr Wynne-

Jones; S Art. J. S. Mann, Alfred and George Clint; Cost. D. H.

Souter; Chor. Bertha Bursh.

- Cast incl. Dorothy Harris (Robin Hood), Dan Thomas (Dame

Durden), Daisy Jerome (Maid Marion), Lola Hunt (Will Scarlett),

Bert Le Blanc (Weary Willie), Ted Stanley (Tired Tim), Billy

Watson (Baron Hardup), Joe Waldron (Simple Simon, the village

idiot), Durham Marcell (Town Cryer), Harry Gordon (Old Man of

the Village), Eric Jenkins (The Sheriff), Ergon Wollff (Innkeeper),

Jack Heller (The Goat), Harry Grouse (Von Turpentine), Percy Wake

(Tinprince), Undine Evans (Mulke), Elsie Sloane (Spirit of Good

Intent); The Babes - Little Merle Hickey (Boy) and Baby Creber

(Joy); Josephine Gassmann and her Piccaninnies; Joe Waldron,

Ettie Waldron (Marjorie Daw), Bill Waldron; and the New York

Comedy Four - Jack Quinlan (The King), Glanville Jones (Friar

Tuck), Clym Edgares and Holly Leslie (Spirit of Evil Intent).

- Americans Durham Marcel and Nellie Fallon were also engaged as specialist Fox-trot dancers.

- NB: The names of two cast members were incorrectly spelled in advertising published in the Sydney Morning Herald

(23 Dec. 1914, 2). These are: Granville Jones for Glenmore Jones and Durham Marton for Durham Marcell. Both of

these performers became members of Bert Le Blanc's Travesty Stars in 1915.

1915: Victoria Theatre, Newcastle (New South Wales); 13-19 February.

- Cast and production mostly as for Adelphi Theatre season.

1915: Her Majesty's Theatre, Brisbane, 22 Feb. - 6 Mar.

- Dir. Lester Brown; Prod. George Willoughby; M Dir. Mr Wynne-Jones; S Art. J. S. Mann, Alfred and George Clint;

Cost. D. H. Souter; Chor. Bertha Bursh.

- Cast incl. Dorothy Harris, Daisy Jerome, Dan Thomas, Lola Hunt, Bert Le Blanc, Jake Mack (Tired Tim), Ted

Stanley (Village Idiot), Bert Barton, Billy Watson, Elsie Sloane, Josephine Gassmann and her Piccaninnies, Durham

Marcel and Nellie Fallon (American Fox-trot specialists); Joe, Ettie andBill Waldron; the New York Comedy Four –

Jack Quinlan, Glanville Jones, Clym Edgares and Holly Leslie; and Hanlon, Dean and Hanlon (hand balancers).

- The cast also involved some 80 "beautiful show girls" and a Corps de Ballet of 40 performers.

1915: Queensland regional tour; began 8 Mar. -

- Cast and production mostly as for previous Brisbane season.

- Tour itinerary incl. Gympie, Maryborough, Bundaberg (one night each), Rockhampton (3 nights), Toowoomba (2

nights).

1915: New Zealand Dominion tour ; 25 March - 22 May (10 weeks).

- Cast and production mostly as for previous Brisbane season.

- The company left Sydney for New Zealand on 19 March.

- The tour closed in Auckland on 22 May.

1915: Victorian regional tour ; ca. July-August.

- Cast and production mostly as for previous Brisbane season. Bert Le Blanc and Jake Mack did not tour due to their

debut Travesty Stars season at the Bijou Theatre, Melbourne.

- Tour itinerary incl. Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat.

1915: Tasmanian tour ; ca. July-August.

- Cast and production mostly as for previous Brisbane season. Bert Le Blanc and Jake Mack did not tour due to their

debut Travesty Stars season at the Bijou Theatre, Melbourne.

- Tour itinerary incl. Launceston and Hobart.

1915: Princess's Theatre, Melbourne; 21 Aug. - 10 Sept.

- Dir. Lester Brown; Prod. George Willoughby; M Dir. Alf J. Lawrence; S Art. J. S. Martin, Alfred and George Clint,

Rege Robins.

- Cast incl. Carrie Moore (Robin Hood), Dan Thomas, Ray de Vere (Maid Marion) Bert Le Blanc, Jake Mack, Ted

Stanley, Carlton Chase (Baron Hardup), Nellie Fallon (Marjorie Daw), Lola Hunt, Granville Jones, Clem Edgares

(Sheriff), Muriel Cathcart, Holly Leslie, Dorothy Seacombe and Alice Jerrems (the Babes), J. Souter (Goat), Bollinger

and Reynolds (acrobats), Mandeno's Canine Marvels.

Source: National Library of Australia

- The Melbourne production was a reworked version of the pantomime as it had been presented during the 1915

Queensland regional tour.

- The show was taken up for one week by the Fullers', who staged it at their Bijou Theatre immediately after the

Princess's season closed.

1915: Bijou Theatre, Melbourne; 11-17 Sept.

- Cast and production mostly as for previous Princess's Theatre season. Prod. Fullers' Theatres Ltd.

- The Age review indicates that "little or no change in the plot was apparent [between the Princess's and Bijou

productions, although the latter] was very much enlivened by the addition of popular songs and topical skits" (13 Sept.

1915, 14).

The Babes in the Wood Adelphi Theatre (Sydney)

1., 2., 3. and 9. Groups of the ballet girls in the surfing number "Teach Me to Float on the Rolling Sea."

7. The principals, Nellie Fallon and Henry Marcell, in the same specialty. 4. The Dame and one of the children in the schoolroom

scene. 5. Bill Bailey (at the top) and Josephine Gassman. 6. Members of the ballet in "Oh Missouri." 8. Two more of the Josephine

Gas-picks - Irene Gibbons and Mabel Brown. 10. The Goat, Jack Heller. 11. The Dame, Dan Thomas. 12. Principal girl, Daisy Jerome.

13. Group of most of the principals. 14. Kathleen, the youngest Gassman baby.

Theatre Feb. 1915, 19.

"Amusements: Babes in the Wood." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW) 15 Feb. 1915, 6.

"Babes in the Wood: Order of the Tour." Theatre Magazine (Sydney) Mar. 1915, 8-9.

"Babes in the Wood Pantomime Tonight." Brisbane Courier 22 Feb. 1915, 9. [see also advert. 22 Feb. 1915, 2]

"Bijou Theatre." Age (Melbourne) 13 Sept. 1915, 14.

"Bijou Theatre." Argus (Melbourne)13 Sept. 1915, 9.

Le Blanc, Bert. "Was the Criticism Justified." Theatre Magazine (Sydney) Mar. 1915, 47.

"Music and Drama." Brisbane Courier 20 Feb. 1915, 13.

"Princess's Theatre Pantomime - The Babes in the Wood." Age (Melbourne)23 Aug. 1915, 10. [see also advert. - Age 21 UG. 1915, 16]

"Princess's Theatre - The Babes in the Wood." Argus (Melbourne)23 Aug. 1915, 13.

Sydney Morning Herald 23 Dec. 1914, 2. Advert [NB: No Sydney Morning Herald issue for 24 Dec.1914 currently available. It

included a review of the premiere]

Spotlight. "From a Spectator's Point of View." Theatre Magazine (Sydney) Feb. 1915, 10-11.

Last updated: 11/12/2017

Expanded and updated from Clay Djubal, "What Oh Tonight" (Appendix C), Ph D Diss (2005) U of Qld. NB: The URL for this PDF will change each time it is updated. If you wish to cite or link to this record please use the following:

Australian Variety Theatre Archive • http://ozvta.com/1910s/