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The first known production of this pantomimic adaptation of Defoe's classic novel was in Charters Towers in late August 1915. It was likely staged earlier than that, however. Describing it as an 'all-round capital show' the Townsville Daily Bulletin's theatre critic further notes: 'Cinderella or "the girl who put her foot in it" is a tuneful medley of songs and dances, diversified with extremely clever acrobatic and comedy work of a high description (29 August 1915, p.5)'
The 1915 production's musical programme opened with two lilting choruses 'A Hunting We Will Go' and 'Back, Back to Tipperary' (featuring Phyllis Faye). Other known songs were 'I'll Meet You by the Mississippi River,' 'Dreaming of You' (both performed by Phyllis Faye), 'Neath the Shadow of the Pyramids' (Ivy Marsden), 'When They Get Old' (Bruce Drysdale), 'Three Little Maids are We' (Marie Wilmot, Florrie Horan and Bruce Drysdale), 'When the Pigs begin to Fly' (Bruce Drysdale and Harry McDonna) and 'The Skies Will Be Blue If You Say You'll Be Mine,' and 'Do You Remember.'
Notes
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Although Harry Taylor's name has not yet been firmly identified as the creator of Cinderella there are several factors which make it likely. Taylor had already provided McKay with at least three other productions by 1915 - these being Bo-Peep (1910), Old Mother Hubbard (1912) and Robinson Crusoe (1914). Taylor also joined forces with Alf Coleman after the war to tour the Taylor-Coleman Pantomime Company. One of its earliest works was Hello, Cinderella - presumably the same pantomime (albeit with a slightly new name and new and updated material added). As McKay was still on post-war duty in Europe with the Australian Imperial Forces for most of 1919 (he also later spent several months studying stage management in England and France), there would have been no conflict of interest in Taylor reviving his own pantomime for touring purposes.
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The 1915 Charters Towers season was art of a regional Queensland tour by Stanley McKay's No 2 Pantomime Company. It was subsequently toured throughout Australia and New Zealand up until at least the early 1920s by several other companies.
For an extensive and inclusive production chronology see the Australian Variety Theatre Archive ('Works: 1915') and Stanley McKay's No 1 Pantomime Company.' Both pages can also be accessed via an archived version of the website at Pandora.
Production Details
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1915: Queensland regional tour; ca. August - September
- Producer Stanley McKay in association with Birch Carroll (and Coyle); Music Director Clarence Elkin.
- Troupe: Stanley McKay No 2 Pantomime Company.
- Cast incl. Phyllis Faye (Prince Perfect), Ivy Marsden (Cinderella), Harry McDonna (Baron Offless), Bruce Drysdale (Baroness Offleass), Dahne Leigh (Dandini, the Prince's Factotum) Florrie Horan (Ugly Sister), Marie Wilmott (Ugly Sister), The Fontenoy Girls (singers), The Three Greshams, Fredo Brothers, Frank and Free.
- Tour incl. Townsville, Charters Towers, Barcaldine, Aramac, Blackall, Longreach.
1915: New South Wales regional tour; ca. September - October.
- Producer Stanley McKay in association with Fullers' Theatres Ltd.
- Troupe: Stanley McKay No 2 Pantomime Company.
- Tour incl. Newcastle (Victoria Theatre; ca. September)
1919: Alhambra Music Hall (Syd); 28 June - 4 July
- Director Harry Taylor; Producer/Manager Harry Taylor and Alf Coleman; Music Director Wally Smith.
- Cast incl. Bert Desmond, Joe Charles, Maud Shipp, Harry Taylor, Mattie Jansen, Emili Dani, Florence Walker, Dot Holroyd, Elsa Thornton.
- The third production in Taylor and Coleman's school holiday pantomime season at the Alhambra. The other pantomimes were Bluebeard's Harem and Little Jack Horner.
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Works about this Work
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Stanley McKay's Pantomime Co: 'Cinderella'
1915
single work
review
— Appears in: Townsville Daily Bulletin , 29 August 1915; (p. 5)
— Review of Cinderella 1915 single work musical theatre
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Stanley McKay's Pantomime Co: 'Cinderella'
1915
single work
review
— Appears in: Townsville Daily Bulletin , 29 August 1915; (p. 5)
— Review of Cinderella 1915 single work musical theatre
