According to contemporary newspapers, The Multi-coloured Umbrella follows on from The Passionate Pianist:
A.B.C. TV-viewers met the family, bookmaker Kevin Donnelly and his sons Ben and Joe, several weeks ago in 'The Passionate Pianist'–Miss Vernon's latest play.
In the 'Umbrella', Joe has married, his marriage is on the rocks but he won't admit there's anything wrong.
Brother Ben, however, sees the problem as a realist.
The outcome?
Miss Vernon has written two endings–one for Inverell, where she first produced the play with the 2NZ dramatic society, which she founded, and one for Melbourne and Sydney audiences.
Source:
'A Bookie's Ad. Led to a Play', Sydney Morning Herald, 6 November 1957, p.9.
First produced at the Little Theatre, South Yarra, Vic.
First professional production by J C Williamson, opened 9 November 1957, at the Royal Theatre, Sydney; later at the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne.