The Enchanted Isle ; Or, The Sprite of the Diamond Star single work   musical theatre   pantomime   fantasy  
Adaptation of The Enchanted Isle William Brough , Robert Brough , 1848 single work musical theatre
Issue Details: First known date: 1856... 1856 The Enchanted Isle ; Or, The Sprite of the Diamond Star
The material on this page is available to AustLit subscribers. If you are a subscriber or are from a subscribing organisation, please log in to gain full access. To explore options for subscribing to this unique teaching, research, and publishing resource for Australian culture and storytelling, please contact us or find out more.

AbstractHistoryArchive Description

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.'

Production Details

  • 1856: Montezuma Theatre, Ballarat (Victoria), 29 December 1856 - ca. January 1857.

    • Cast incl. Mrs J. P. Hydes (Columbia), Mr Walsh (Clown), Mr Golding (Pantaloon), Mr Powell (Harlequin), Mrs Chapman.
    • The cast played a number of other (unidentified) characters.

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

Works about this Work

The Music and Drama 1856 single work review
— Appears in: The Age , 29 December 1856; (p. 5)

— Review of The Enchanted Isle ; Or, The Sprite of the Diamond Star 1856 single work musical theatre
The Music and Drama 1856 single work review
— Appears in: The Age , 29 December 1856; (p. 5)

— Review of The Enchanted Isle ; Or, The Sprite of the Diamond Star 1856 single work musical theatre

PeriodicalNewspaper Details

Note:
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
Last amended 28 Mar 2014 10:40:38
X