In this pantomime extravaganza in which science overcomes the Demon 'Ignoramus', the storyline highlights numerous topical issues and personalities. The scenery also featured local settings such as Melbourne's Cremorne Gardens and the gold diggings.
One of the highlights of the production is said to have been the overture, which opened with passages from the writings of Bishop and other writers. It also involved 'a solo on the ophicleide subject - the 'Rat Catcher's Daughter"' (Age 29 December 1856, p.5).
1856: Theatre Royal, Melbourne, 26 December 1856 - 17 January 1857.
This entry has been sourced from research undertaken by Dr Clay Djubal into Australian-written popular music theatre (ca. 1850-1930). See also the Australian Variety Theatre Archive
Details have also been derived in part from the Annotated Calendar of Plays Premiered in Australia: 1850-1869.