Cirrus@Austlit

Adapted from H. J. Byron's extravaganza Jack the Giant Killer, or, Harlequin King Arthur and Ye Knights of Ye Round Table (1859), this production contained numerous local allusions.

The narrative, which has been dovetailed with the legend of King Arthur, sees Jack knighted by the king and given a mission to slaughter giants. Jack's zeal for the mission is given added incentive when his betrothed, Sybil, is carried off by the giant Gorgibuster. When Jack arrives at the giant's home, he is received hospitably. The giant intends, however, to dispatch his guest during the night. Jack tricks the giant by placing a jack boot in his bed and hiding elsewhere. When the giant strikes the bed with his club, he believes he has killed young Jack. Meanwhile, the hero rouses the servants and rescues Sybil, and together they attack Gorgibuster, bringing him to an ignominious end at the point of pitchforks and umbrellas. The final incident, prior to the traditional transformation scene, has the escapees enter a cave filled with burnished gold, fountains, and nymphs. The pantomime also finished with the traditional harlequinade (this time with a double cast of characters).

Featuring the Marsh Family troupe of children, this pantomime was adapted from H. J. Byron's extravaganza Jack the Giant Killer, Or, Harlequin King Arthur and Ye Knights of Ye Round Table (1859) with local allusions, notably references to 'recent disclosures in the theatrical world' (Age 27 December 1860, p.5) and the Collingwood Rifle Corps (Argus 27 December 1860, p.4). The production did not contain then usual harlequinade.