Cirrus@Austlit

Built on conventional lines, the story concerns an Englishman whose daughter, Haidee, has been kidnapped by a native bandit chief and his fierce henchmen. Others who become involved include an American on tour with his wife, son, chauffeur, and four lovely daughters. The principal actors and chorus were drawn from the opera class of the newly established Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

According to several critics the hit song of the show was 'My Egyptian Mummy' (sung by Les Williams and Myee Taylor.)

Although sometimes referred to in newspaper coverage as a revue, What Is It? was actually a musical comedy. The Sydney Morning Herald indicates in this respect that the production was staged over two acts and dealt 'chiefly with a mesmerist, a snobbish duke, a gay young peer, a musical comedy actress and an American salesman "doing" London' ('What Is It' 4 December 1915, p.19). The first act is set in the house of Sarazo the mesmerist and the second act in the reception room of the Hotel Cecil, London.

Among the songs incorporated into the show were: 'We're Proud of You Boys' (sung by Valerie Hewett and chorus), 'The Ragtime Dream,' 'The Beautiful Sea' and 'The Sleepy Pyjama Girl.' The dances included an Egyptian ballet and the picturesque 'Desert Dance.'