The Age cites a review from the Ballarat Times, which records:
'The Montezuma Theatre was most densely crowded to witness the performance of the first pantomime produced on Ballaarat [sic]... The opening chorus was indicative of the excellent entertainment which was to follow, and the steamboat bearing the royal freight to the enchanted isle made us feel almost seasick from its perfect reality... The scenery was excellent and ably managed. Bath's Hotel was hailed with acclamation; and many a thirsty soul smacked his lips at the sign where he had so often slaked his thirst. The whole concluded with a beautiful tableau, in which the principal characters were artistically grouped, and the 'sprite of the diamond star' descended in her brilliant constellation' (29 Dec. 1856, p.5).
The same Age review reports that the production, which cost £400, contained many local references and allusions. One of the songs incorporated into the story was 'Hot Coddlins.'
1856: Montezuma Theatre, Ballarat (Victoria), 29 December 1856 - ca. January 1857.