Deriving from the
Daily Telegraph stable,
Stage and Society drew upon established writers and artists to present its view of Sydney at play. It was amused by the foibles and faults of personalities, offering stray thoughts and barbs as well as more substantial commentary on professional and repertory theatre, fashion, and social events. It had an on-going interest in the exotic -- tales by colonial ex-patriates and travellers in the South Seas, New Guinea, and South-east Asia -- while its notes from London, Paris, and Hollywood were more concerned with celebrity. Early emphasis on the theatre and theatricals gradually ceded space to films and their stars; however, its interest in sport was short-lived. From the end of 1923, it incorporated the main features of the
Picture Show magazine, increased its women's features, and published more short stories. Poetry and interviews were staples. Among others, it profiled and published
Margaret Dale,
Gladys Moncrieff,
L. L. Woolacott,
Leon Gellert,
Thea Proctor,
Dulcie Deamer,
Gregan McMahon,
Hector Bolitho,
Dorothy Dix,
A. G. Stephens,
Anna Pavlova (qq.v.), and Colonel H.H. Ling.
