Bert and Chic, two returned servicemen, go to a draper's shop to buy civilian clothes ('civvies'). They meet a former fellow digger, Bob, who now works in the store. When Chic tells Bob that Bert now has a tabby (a girlfriend), it emerges that he is jealous of the girl, because she has come between him and his mate. Although this leads to an argument between Chic and Bert, they soon reconcile and agree to go to a party together. Other characters include a lady customer and a shopwalker.
Civvies is one of several sketches played out between Chic and Bert (later Chic and Joe) that form an on-going series based on the experiences of Australian and New Zealand soldiers both during the First World War and as they try to return to 'normal' civilian life after the Armistice.
1921: Esplanade, St Kilda (Melbourne), ca. December. Director/Producer Pat Hanna ; Troupe The Famous Diggers.
Cast incl. Pat Hanna (Chic), Will Crawford (Bert).
This entry has been sourced from on-going historical research into Australian popular theatre being conducted by Professor Richard Fotheringham and Dr Clay Djubal.
Joe's Girl
Pat Hanna
,
The Famous Diggers
,
1926
(Manuscript version)x401901
Z1438392
1926
single work
drama
sketch (theatrical)
humour
A comedy sketch comprising lots of physical slapstick, the story revolves around Chic and Joe meeting Joe's girl and her family.
