Especially adapted and localised for Williamson, Garner, and Musgrove by Alfred Maltby, 'the London comedian and litterateur'. The Sydney Morning Herald theatre critic suggests that although it contained the traditional harlequinade (invented and performed by the Faust Family), Sleeping Beauty was more a burlesque than pantomime. 'It is not exactly the kind of pantomime which is best suited to children', writes the critic, even though 'there is no trace of vulgarity in it. Maltby has written a very bright piece, full of puns and smart sayings and comical conceits... [and] for a modern pantomime [it] is a remarkably good one, and should fill the Theatre Royal for many weeks to come' (28 December 1886, p.3). Characters include Prince Austral (the Champion of Federation) and his fairy godmothers, the seven sisters of Australasia.
One of the hits of the production is said to have been 'I'm a Marquis, You Know,' sung by six-year-old Daisy Faust.
