What Is It? single work   musical theatre  
Issue Details: First known date: 1915... 1915 What Is It?
The material on this page is available to AustLit subscribers. If you are a subscriber or are from a subscribing organisation, please log in to gain full access. To explore options for subscribing to this unique teaching, research, and publishing resource for Australian culture and storytelling, please contact us or find out more.

AbstractHistoryArchive Description

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.'

Notes

  • In early 1916 Kilminster and some friends spent time touring Tasmania, and at once stage temporarily resided in the Franklin district. On 29 February the Huonville Musical Society announced in the Huon Times (29 February 1916) that Kilminster was organising a production of What Is It? for Easter Monday that year. The proposed director was identified as George Amer. No record of any production has yet been located, however.

Production Details

  • 1915: Repertory Theatre, Sydney; 4-5 December

    • Director Stanley A. Kilminster; Music Arranger/Conductor Hubert Russell; Producer Eastern Suburbs Musical Society.
    • Cast incl. Gilbert Walton (Sarazo, the mesmerist), Placid Courtney (Duke of Tumblesnob), Hal Stuart-Beeston (Lord Fitzdare), Ethel Jack (Peggy Lashmore, the actress), Stanley Holthouse, W. G. Forshaw (Hon John Clifford), Valerie Hewett (Lady Sybil), Leila Smith (Thought), Phyllis Diddams; and ballet (Iris Ward, Lily Buckman, Ettie Burnett, Muriel Enderby, Eileen marks, Linda Mark).
    • The orchestra comprised 14 musicians.
    • The chorus reportedly numbered 35 performers.

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

First known date: 1915
VIEW PUBLICATION DETAILS FOR ALL VERSIONS ()

Works about this Work

Repertory Theatre 1915 single work review
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 6 December no. 24309 1915; (p. 6)
— Review of What Is It? Stanley A. Kilminster , 1915 single work musical theatre

Review of the Eastern Suburbs Musical Society's 1915 production of What Is It? (Repertory Theatre, Sydney; 4-5 December).
Last Night's Music : Revue at Repertory 1915 single work review
— Appears in: The Sun , 5 December 1915; (p. 10)
— Review of What Is It? Stanley A. Kilminster , 1915 single work musical theatre

Review of the Eastern Suburbs Musical Society's 1915 production of What Is It? (Repertory Theatre, Sydney; 4-5 December).
Last Night's Music : Revue at Repertory 1915 single work review
— Appears in: The Sun , 5 December 1915; (p. 10)
— Review of What Is It? Stanley A. Kilminster , 1915 single work musical theatre

Review of the Eastern Suburbs Musical Society's 1915 production of What Is It? (Repertory Theatre, Sydney; 4-5 December).
Repertory Theatre 1915 single work review
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 6 December no. 24309 1915; (p. 6)
— Review of What Is It? Stanley A. Kilminster , 1915 single work musical theatre

Review of the Eastern Suburbs Musical Society's 1915 production of What Is It? (Repertory Theatre, Sydney; 4-5 December).
VIEW ALL WORKS ABOUT (2)
Last amended 16 Nov 2016 10:36:23
Newspapers:
    Powered by Trove
    X