Harlequin Rumpelstiltskin single work   musical theatre   pantomime   fantasy  
Adaptation of Rumpelstiltskin and the Maid; Or, The Woman at the Wheel F. C. Burnand , 1864 single work musical theatre
Issue Details: First known date: 1867... 1867 Harlequin Rumpelstiltskin
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

Adapted from the F. C. Burnand extravaganza, Harlequin Rumplestiltskin is said to have included 'a great deal of original matter and a plentiful variety of local hits' (Age 28 December 1867, p.7). The new material included the burlesque opening, transformation scene, and harlequinade.

The story involves the family of King Tagarag, who decrees that his scapegrace son Prince Poppet will marry Princess Supurba. Unfortunately, she loves the king's second son, Prince Lollius, while Poppet has already declared his love to a charming little miller's daughter, Rosekin. When he steals away to meet Rosekin, Poppet is followed by the court detective, Wriggeletto, who promptly tells the king. Enraged by his son's actions, the king throws him in prison. The distraught Rosekin is meanwhile accosted by Rumplestiltskin, a malignant demon dwarf, who tricks her into marriage with him by having her sign a parchment that she believes will set Poppet free. She stands up to Rumplestiltskin and refuses to fulfill her bargain. 'As the power of the demon continues only while his name remains unknown, the Genius of Australia - who takes a friendly interest in the party - appears and puts him to confusion. Thereupon the grand transformation scene takes place' (Argus 28 December 1867, p.5).

The programme of scenery was:

Scene 1. The Haunt of the Genius of Australia (incl. Grand Ballet).

Scene 2. Ante Chamber and Cloak Room in the Palace of King Tagarag.

Scene 3. Exterior of Jolinosio's Mill.

Scene 4. My Convict Cell.

Scene 5. Grandest Hall in the Palace of the King.

Scene 6. A Room in the Palace.

Grand Transformation Scene.

Harlequinade (played out in 'three well-known shops in a somewhat prominent street in [Melbourne]' and the telegraph office).

(Cited Argus 27 December 1867, p.8).

Two of the dozen or more songs incorporated into the production were 'Mrs Bond' (sung by Rumplestiltskin) and 'Slap Bang' (the finale).

Production Details

  • 1867: Royal Haymarket, Melbourne, 27 December 1867 - 4 January 1868.

    • Manager/Director William Hoskins; Scenic Art William Pitt, Charles Fry and Mr Lehman; Costumes Mrs Hancock and Mrs Bennett; Director of Comic Scenes A. Lehman and W. B. Gill; Chorus Mde Marzetti and Julia Lehman; Troupes incl. The Lehman Family.
    • Cast incl. Charles Young (King Tagarag), Alice Wiseman (Prince Poppet), W. B. Gill (Rumplestiltskin), Anna Forde (Prince Lollius), Tilly Earl [Mrs John Edouin] (Roseken), Charles Hall (Baron Higgle de Piggle), John Edouin (Wriggleletto), James Milne (Jolinosio), Louise Arnott (Princess Supurba), Miss Melville (Baroness Giggle), Miss Stanley (Countess Sniggle), J. J. Welsh (Frau Jolinosio), Miss Lyons, Mrs Sairey Gamp (Dame Argus), Mrs Harris (Dame Age), Corps de Ballet, Julia Lehman (dancer), Mdle Therese (dancer); Double Harlequinade - John Edouin and John Haslam (Harlequins), Tilly Earl and Mde Marzetti (Columbines), James Martin (Pantaloon), W. B. Gill and Auguste Lehman (Clowns), Master John Haslam (Frog), Mr Knabbem (Policeman), Mr Suet (Butcher).

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

Works about this Work

Haymarket Theatre : The Pantomime 1867 single work review
— Appears in: The Argus , 28 December 1867; (p. 5)

— Review of Harlequin Rumpelstiltskin George Scott Hough , 1867 single work musical theatre
The Pantomime at the Haymarket 1867 single work review
— Appears in: The Age , 28 December 1867; (p. 7)

— Review of Harlequin Rumpelstiltskin George Scott Hough , 1867 single work musical theatre
The Pantomime at the Haymarket 1867 single work review
— Appears in: The Age , 28 December 1867; (p. 7)

— Review of Harlequin Rumpelstiltskin George Scott Hough , 1867 single work musical theatre
Haymarket Theatre : The Pantomime 1867 single work review
— Appears in: The Argus , 28 December 1867; (p. 5)

— Review of Harlequin Rumpelstiltskin George Scott Hough , 1867 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

Details have also been derived in part from the Annotated Calendar of Plays Premiered in Australia: 1850-1869.

Last amended 28 Mar 2014 16:10:19
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