F. W. Niven F. W. Niven i(A57594 works by) (Organisation) assertion (a.k.a. F. W. Niven & Co.; F. W. Niven and Co.)
Born: Established: ca. 1863 Ballarat, Ballarat area, Ballarat - Bendigo area, Victoria, ; Died: Ceased: 1983 Melbourne, Victoria,
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1 y separately published work icon Sun-Raysed Children's Fairy Story Book C. J. De Garis (editor), Melbourne : F. W. Niven , 1919 Z1257802 1919 anthology children's fiction children's Contains fairy stories, rhymes, limericks and acrostics.
1 2 y separately published work icon Dick Whittington and His Cat ; Or, Harlequin, the Demon Rat, and the Good Fairies of the Bells Edmund Finn , George Gardiner (composer), Holloway and Anderson , 1897 Melbourne : Holloway and Anderson , 1897 Z861190 1897 single work musical theatre pantomime fantasy

Advertising indicates that Edmund Finn cribbed, adapted, localised and brought up-to-date this pantomime version of the popular children's tale, presented as a vehicle for Maggie Moore and her partner, H. R. Roberts. Interestingly the Age reviewer criticised Moore for her 'singular lack of spirit.' Her defects, it was suggested, were possibly brought about by the company "having worked night and day" to get the production ready. In this respect it was noted that the pantomime 'showed hasty preparation." The critic notes further that "some of the scenery worked badly, and there were faults in the 'business' which such performances rely upon for much of their interest' (28 December 1897, p.6). Nevertheless, the season apparently picked up, possibly through the efforts of H. R. Roberts, whom reportedly held the opening night show together. The season in fact went on to play a very respectable 7 weeks.

Presented in three acts the plot unfolded through the following scenes:

Act 1. Scene 1. The Belfry of Old Bow Bells;

Scene 2. Exterior of Fitzwarren's Shop;

Scene 3. Fitzwarren's Kitchen;

Scene 4. Highgate Hill, 'Flower Pot Ballet?' 'Sowing the Seed.' 'The Growth.' 'The Blossom.'

Act 2. Scene 1. Wapping Old Stairs;

Scene 2. Deck of the Lively Polly;

Scene 3. Storm at Sea. The Wreck. The Raft;

Scene 4. The Coast of Morocco;

Scene 5. The Imperial Palace of Morocco. "Grand Pageant";

Act 3. Scene 1. Guildhall;

Scene 2. An Ante Room in the Guildhall.

Transformation Scene - the Four Seasons;

Harlequinade (written and directed by Tom Queen).


The orchestral, vocal and incidental music was composed and selected by George Gardiner. Original musical numbers included: 'The Flower Pot Ballet,' 'The Merry Children' (a new coon dance), a Toreador dance (performed by Nellie Osgood), a La Diablo dance (James Watts), and a skipping rope dance (Ethel Clifford). Other musical numbers known to have been incorporated or written into the narrative were the songs: 'That's Interfering, Marm, Downstairs' and 'The Spinster That's Looking for a New Husband' (sung by H. R. Roberts), 'Just a Plain Australian Girl,' Sydney Turnbull's song 'Somewhere' (Maggie Moore), and 'Turn Again, Whittington, Thrice Mayor of London.'

[Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive]

1 2 y separately published work icon Santa Claus ; Or, The House That Jack Built and the Historical Giant Killer John Steel Robertson , Ballarat : George Selth Coppin , 1895 Z861419 1895 single work musical theatre pantomime fantasy

The story begins in the house of Mr and Mrs Santa Claus and their troop of fairies, who decide upon a pantomime to celebrate the happy season. This is followed by the dormitory scene with Jack and his maternal relative inspecting the children's presents in the house that he designed and had built by juvenile builders. Jack is then set a task by King Arthur, after having rescued the King's sister, and promised a reward. The task is to destroy the Giant. The pantomime contains many allusions to topical and political matters of the day while the music, described as "up to date" (and partly composed by G. A. Sutch), includes numerous songs and dances.

1 y separately published work icon The Flooded Mine, and Other Poems Mary E. Dick , Ballarat : F. W. Niven , 1891 Z805921 1891 single work poetry
1 y separately published work icon Ada, and Other Australian Poems James Richards , Ballarat : F. W. Niven , 1888 Z1370950 1888 selected work poetry
1 y separately published work icon Temple Mystic and Other Poems J. A. Andrews , Ballarat : F. W. Niven , 1888 Z419745 1888 selected work poetry
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