Cirrus@Austlit

A review of the 1919 Palace Theatre (Sydney) premiere published in the Sydney Morning Herald records that 'In this twentieth century elaboration of Jack and Jill, the boy and girl of the time-worn nursery rhyme are almost lost in the comedy padding, the scenic ornamentation, and in the spectacular embroideries, which include a number of dances and ballets arranged by Espinosa.'

The critic notes, for example, Bert Bailey's role in the production:

'As Ginger, the Prince's man, [he] spreads himself in songs and character sketches which have nothing to do with Jack and Jill. In the first act we have Ginger in a modern sac suit singing about dear old Sydney in "Billo," with a scenic background showing Man-o-war Steps. A little later the red-haired humorist, in an old-time costume, is audaciously fooling with the Dame and singing, "Sprinkle me with Kisses"' (19 May 1919, p.7).

The musical programme included ballet and incidental music by Robert Keers. Among the other songs incorporated into the pantomime were 'Give Me No Man's Land' (sung by Gracie Doran), 'A Wedding in the Farmyard' (Ida Newton and Gracie Doran), 'Life in the Old Girl Yet' (Barry Lupino), 'Billo' (Bert Bailey), and 'Jogging along the Highway' and 'The Blue Billabong' (by David Loffman dressed as an Australian swagman). The Argus records that one of the highlights of the Melbourne production was Bert Bailey's character study and song 'Billo', which concluded with a mock Apache dance performed with Gertie Latchford. Both the Age and Argus also drew attention to the march of Australian products, symbolised by ingenious costume designs, which concluded the pantomime.

The published synopsis of scenery is:

Act 1: Scene 1. The Village of Peace and Plenty; Scene 2. Corridor of the Regent's Palace; Scene 3. The Widow's Tonsorial Establishment; Scene 4. The Road to the School; Scene 5. Man-O-War Steps; Scene 6. The School Room; Scene 7. The Road to the Well; Scene 8. The Hill Top; Scene 9. On the Way to Bagdad; Scene 10. Bagdad.

Act 2: Scene 1. The Haunt of the Hunchback; Scene 2. The Floral Ballet; Scene 3. The Corridor of the Regent's Palace; Scene 4. The Forge; Scene 5. The Road to Nowhere; Scene 6. The Corridor to the Palace; Scene 7. A Spanish Courtyard; Scene 8. The Regent's Physic Shop; Scene 9. Grand Finale in the Palace; Scene 10. The Christmas Plum Pudding.