Cirrus@Austlit

Revusical.

A review in the Brisbane Courier records that 'The Wiggles Family... keeps the audience in continual merriment. Yvonne Banvard shows versatility in crooning a delightful melody, "Her Secret Passion," and by her portrayal of Mrs Waggle, housekeeper for Mr Wiggles. Sam Stern gives an excellent characterization as the irritable and gouty Mr Wiggles, and also pleases with his rendition of "Banana," which tells of the fall from grace of an Italian opera singer' (30 November 1931, p.18). The following week's review indicates that the plot revolved around the trials of the Wiggles family and its friends (7 December 1931, p.8).

Revusical.

Billed as 'George Sorlie's all-Australian pantomime' (Brisbane Courier 12 December 1931, p.2), the storyline 'revolves around the vicissitudes experienced by Matilda Grundy in her ultimately successful search for her hero [while] the machinations of the scheming Dame Grundy are effectively repulsed by the Fairy Wattle' (28 December 1931, p.7). The principal boy role (played by Yvonne Banvard) involved multiple character impersonations: 'The Aussie Lad,' 'Dick Whittington,' 'Robinson Crusoe', and 'Boy Blue.'

Produced on a large scale with numerous original dances, comic interludes, picturesque settings, an extensive musical programme, and a real circus (including performing horses, dogs, a donkey, clowns, and trapeze artists), the pantomime also drew much praise from the Brisbane Courier for its transformation scene depicting Queensland's primary industries and Australia's emblematic flowers. Local allusions ('The Prince of Pinkenba,' for example) and topicalities were also introduced into the storyline.

The musical programme comprised twenty-two songs and ballets, including 'You Should See My Neighbour's Daughter' (sung by George Sorlie), 'Rip Van Winkle' (Percy Mackay), and 'The Dance of the Mummies' (ballet). A review in the Brisbane Courier also notes that the production included 'George Sorlie's musical tour of the world per medium of the orchestra' (21 December 1931, p.3).

Revusical.

When Nellie Calthorpe decides that she wants to attend a masked ball, she first has to find an excuse to give to her husband. Her friends, who are decidedly frivolous and sophisticated young ladies, suggest all manner of possibilities so that she might go. Harry Kitching, Australian Variety's editor, writes of the Bridge Theatre premiere that 'The plot is good, and followed consistently to the end... the production is attractively staged, has some good effects [and] is well acted and dressed.' Kitching further notes:

The feature of the whole production is the really brilliant, artistic and dashing manner in which all artistes work together, not trying to "grab" applause for themselves alone, but aiming for one thing - 'Success' - which they have won through hard work, perseverance and ability (10 November 1915, p.12).

The songs incorporated into this revusical are believed to have been both original Australian and international works. Reviews indicate that all the songs were lchanged for the second week of the Bridge Theatre season, and no doubt for later productions, as well.

Revusical.

In reviewing the premiere production of On the Sands at Harry Clay's Bridge Theatre, Australian Variety records:

The Royal Musical Comedy Co opened and as responsible for the 'House Full' signs being out long before the curtain was raised... The whole show was bright and catchy and did not leave one dull moment... The musical items are fresh and attractive and has none of the hackneyed quality of many of the recent revues seen at other theatres lately ... Judging by the reception the revue received, it should have a record run, which it fully deserves, as it is well worth seeing and well worth the trip out for the 'city-ites' after some of the revues that have been produced lately (27 October 1915, p.6).

Although no details concerning the story have yet been located, the 'Synopsis of Events' as advertised in Australian Variety indicate the following scenes: 'Flo and Her Friends Arrive', 'On the Sands', 'Private, Strictly Private', 'Clarence the Sport', 'Somebody's Taken My Togs, I Wonder Who Were There Before?', 'Police', 'The Rich Uncle From Fiji', and 'Everybody Happy'.

The songs used in this production, believed to have been of both original Australian and international origin, were also changed on a regular basis. The Australian Variety review reveals, for example, that all of the songs presented during the opening week were replaced for the second. One of the songs that featured in the revusical was Morley's 'Be a Man, Enlist To-Day!'.

The 1931 revival staged by George Sorlie and his newly formed Vaudeville and Revue Company was reportedly set at Kirra Beach, with the actor/manager in the role of a waiter.