Revusical.
Jim Gerald plays the part of Hector, a well-meaning but feeble-witted valet. The Brisbane Courier records in a review of the 1927 Empire Theatre production that one of the best things of the evening was a scene in which Reg Hawthorne's character endeavored to initiate his valet into the mysteries of the gentle art of bar tending (9 May 1927, p.26). One of the more popular sketches written into the story involved Betty Lambert's character, 'a dainty little lady' who gives Hector 'a lesson in the art of flirtation' (Brisbane Courier 9 May 1927, p.26). During the course of the story, too, Hector accepts a position as a lion tamer ('with the result that a promising career comes to a sudden end') and attempts a career as an opera singer (Brisbane Courier 1 August 1927, p.21).
One of the musical highlights of the 1926 Bijou Theatre production is said to have been Jim Gerald's duet with Laurel Barrett, 'Waiter', while Ray and Dot McLean's novel whirlwind dance in scarecrow costumes during the 1927 Empire Theatre season apparently created a 'furor' (Brisbane Courier 1 August 1927, p.21).
Songs known to have been incorporated into the revusical at that time were 'The Moon' (a male quartet), and 'Pale Moon' and 'I'm Looking at the World Through Rose-coloured Glasses' (both sung by May Geary). Reg Hawthorne also drew much applause for his yodeling songs.
1926: Fullers' Theatre, Sydney, 30 January - 5 February (return season: 5-11 June).
1926: New Bijou Theatre, Melbourne, 7-13 August (as Hector's Troubles).
1927: Empire Theatre, Brisbane, 7-13 May (return season: 30 July - 5 August).
1927: Fullers' Theatre, Sydney, 5-11 November.
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1930: Tivoli Theatre, Melbourne, 10-16 May.
1934: Tivoli Theatre, Melbourne, 5-11 May.