Cirrus@Austlit

A popular subject for pantomimes, the story typically tells of a poor boy who becomes a wealthy merchant and eventually the Lord Mayor of London through the rat catching abilities of his cat. The characters appearing in this version of the popular pantomime are typically those of most earlier versions. They include: King of the Rats, Fairy Dulcibelle, Idle Jack, Mary Pickleport, Alice Fitzwarren, Dick Whittington, Felix the Cat, Emperor of Morocco, Ahmed, Princess Balbordour, Captain Barnacle and Rupert.

According advertising and previews published in the lead-up to opening night, the cast comprised more than 20 adult actors, 50 local young ladies in the various ballet, and more than 150 children playing fairies, demons, housemaids, rats, elves, butterflies, Eastern girls, Hawaiians.

Among the novelties were a eurythmic ballet, 'The Golliwogs,' 'The School Room,' 'The Rose Ballet,' 'The Demons,' 'Father Christmas Arrives in His Aeroplane,' 'The Land of the Wedding Bells,' 'The Fairies, Pixies and Elves Ballet,' 'The Pont Ballet.' It was also reported that Marshall Palmer had purchased more than £500 worth of children's costumes from Sydney.

[Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive]

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.)